News Focus
- Bologna want to sign Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala this summer.
- Lyon must sell players despite qualifying for the Champions League preliminary rounds.
- New Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco knows the Belgium international from national team duty.
- Mangala made only 14 appearances last season after returning from a serious knee injury.
Serie A club Bologna have set their sights on signing Orel Mangala from Olympique Lyonnais. The Italian side hope to bring the Belgium international to the centre of their midfield before the transfer window closes.
Lyon recently confirmed they need to raise funds through player sales. Club official Matthieu Louis-Jean stated that the French outfit must sell stars again this summer. They earned a place in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League, but financial problems persist. However, the situation is not as severe as it was twelve months ago.
Mangala appears to be a candidate for departure. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder returned to Lyon after a loan spell at Everton. He managed just 14 appearances in all competitions last term and failed to register any goal contributions.
Injuries disrupted his campaign. The player missed the start of the season while recovering from a cruciate ligament tear. Despite these fitness issues, he worked his way back into the side. Mangala started five of the final nine Ligue 1 matches as he built up his strength under manager Paulo Fonseca.
Now Bologna boss Domenico Tedesco wants to bring him to Italy. The coach worked with Mangala during his time in charge of the Belgium national team. Tedesco recently took over at the Serie A club and wants to add experience to his squad for the upcoming clashes in domestic and European competitions.