Bologna actually didn’t want to let Sam Beukema go this summer, but after the defender repeatedly requested to be sold to Napoli, the club eventually decided to cooperate. Club director Claudio Fenucci said this on Monday during the presentation of Ciro Immobile.
Bologna finished ninth in Serie A last season, a campaign that marked one of their best recent performances both domestically and in cup competitions.
The highlight was undoubtedly their remarkable triumph in the Coppa Italia, where they secured the trophy by defeating AC Milan in the final a memorable achievement that reinvigorated the club's ambitions and galvanized their supporters. Riding on this wave of success, Bologna's management, led by CEO Claudio Fenucci, approached the summer transfer window with a clear and firm plan: to maintain the core of the squad that had brought them so much joy.
“We entered the summer with the intention of keeping almost all the players in our squad,” Fenucci explained during the presentation of Ciro Immobile, the club’s latest signing. “Our strategy was clear: we only wanted to part ways with players whose motivation had decreased or those who felt they needed a change of scenery to reignite their careers.”
Fenucci's comments mainly addressed the fringe players, those who hadn’t seen much playing time and might have struggled to maintain enthusiasm and commitment. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when one of Bologna’s key starters, Sam Beukema, expressed a clear desire to leave. “Sam politely told us several times that he wanted to move to Napoli,” Fenucci admitted. “He approached us with respect, making his wishes known in a professional manner. The negotiations with Napoli were long and complex, as is often the case when discussing the transfer of an important player. But in the end, we reached an agreement that satisfied all parties.”
Fenucci was keen to reassure Bologna fans that the club does not intend to sanction any further major departures this summer. “As far as I’m concerned, this will be it in terms of outgoing transfers. Unless situations arise that we cannot foresee, we are committed to preserving the structure of this team. Stability is crucial if we want to build on last season’s achievements.”
Sam Beukema, 26, is now set for the next chapter of his career. The Dutch centre-back is scheduled to undergo his medical tests in Naples on Tuesday, finalizing his move to Napoli. The two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee in the region of thirty million euros, a significant return for Bologna, who had signed Beukema from AZ Alkmaar for just eight million euros two years ago. Beukema’s development in Italy has been impressive, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Serie A, which naturally caught the attention of a club like Napoli, eager to reinforce their backline. A multi-year contract awaits him in Naples, where expectations will be high as the reigning Scudetto contenders look to strengthen their defensive options for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, as Beukema departs, Bologna has bolstered their squad with the experienced Ciro Immobile. The 35-year-old striker has made a sensational return to Italian football after a difficult spell in Turkey with Besiktas. Immobile had joined the Turkish giants from Lazio just a year ago, hoping for a new challenge abroad, but the experience did not unfold as he had envisioned. Struggles with form, fitness, and adaptation to the Turkish league meant that Immobile’s time in Istanbul was largely disappointing.
Aware of his diminishing role at Besiktas and longing for a return to familiar territory, Immobile expressed his desire to come back to Serie A. Bologna seized the opportunity, signing the veteran forward on a one-year contract with an option for an additional season. Besiktas, recognizing the player’s wish and the situation, agreed to let him leave on a free transfer, facilitating his move back to Italy.
For Bologna, bringing in a player of Immobile’s pedigree is a statement of intent. Despite his age, Immobile remains one of the most prolific strikers of his generation in Italian football. With over 200 Serie A goals to his name and multiple Capocannoniere titles (top scorer awards), his experience and goal-scoring instinct could prove invaluable, both on the pitch and in mentoring younger attackers in the squad.
Immobile himself is motivated to prove that he still has plenty to offer. At his unveiling, he spoke about his excitement to join Bologna, a club that is on an upward trajectory. “I wanted to come back to Serie A, to compete again at the highest level in my country. Bologna showed great interest and belief in my abilities, and I’m determined to repay that faith with goals and leadership.”
Bologna now faces the new season with renewed optimism. The departure of Beukema is certainly a blow, but the arrival of Immobile adds a different kind of strength to the squad. Under the guidance of their ambitious management, Bologna aims not only to replicate last season's success but to push further, both in Serie A and in domestic cup competitions.
