Barrow forces out of Bologna: ‘They know my discomfort here’

Musa Barrow has spoken out to force a move to Saudi side Al-Taawoun FC, telling Bologna that he feels ‘discomfort in continuing’ with the club.

The Serie A summer transfer window officially closed on Friday evening, but that doesn’t mean the market is a closed chapter just yet. The windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia are still open, posing a late threat to Italian clubs.

One player being targeted by a Saudi side is Barrow, who has two years left on his deal with Bologna. The striker has a price tag of around €15m but Thiago Motta’s side do not want to sell.

Telling the media after the 2-1 win over Cagliari on Saturday, the Italian-Brazilian coach discussed the 24-year-old’s situation, saying: “The group worked well all week, the only one who didn’t want to participate was Barrow and this is something we have to improve because he will be part of the squad, and he will have to make a big effort to get back in.

“His teammates have played three games, he has responsibilities within the group and he has to take them. Saudi Arabia? No, he’ll stay with us.”

Barrow has not accepted this, and he spoke to Gianluca Di Marzio today confirming that he’ll be leaving Emilia-Romagna to join Al-Taawoun FC, admitting: “The club has understood my discomfort in continuing my adventure at Bologna, especially with this coach. I cannot stay in a place where I no longer feel the right motivation.

“I always take responsibility, and that is why it is better for everyone that I say goodbye to Bologna, and also to Italy, which has welcomed me for so many years.

“I want to thank the club, in particular Fenucci and Sartori and president Saputo, as well as my teammates, whom I will always carry in my heart, and the wonderful Rossoblu fans.”

During his three and a half years with Bologna, Barrow made 128 appearances across all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists.