Leonardo Bonucci was on the verge of coming to terms with Roma director Tiago Pinto, but the club’s ownership came over the top to block the deal. As a result, the defender won’t transfer to the Italian capital for the second window in a row. He was close to Lazio as his departure from Juventus was coming together last summer, Corriere dello Sport informed.
The Friedkin family has vetoed the purchase more for economic reasons than because of the complaints by the fans since he was a staple of their main rivals. They didn’t want to spend for somebody who will turn 37 in 2024.
The Roma brass has relayed the decision to the agent of Bonucci, Alessandro Lucci. At this point, it’d be a surprise if they revisited the deal even should they run out of options later on. The veteran would have cost €2M gross in wages.
The Giallorossi will have to look elsewhere to bolster their defense. It’s currently sans Chris Smalling, who has an uncertain timetable. Evan N’Dicka will play his final game in the next round before joining the Ivory Coast retreat ahead of AFCON. Moreover, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, who occasionally fills in, are one yellow card away from disqualification.
Our Take on Roma and Bonucci
It’s a legitimate stance, and at least they didn’t use the supporters as an excuse. Still, it’ll create a big problem for José Mourinho, unless they somehow sign somebody else in the first few days of January.
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