Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci says Napoli made “a great offer” for Simone Verdi, but he didn't want to go.
It was confirmed this morning that the forward has turned down the opportunity to join the Partenopei, despite a deal having been reached with his club.
“At the Christmas dinner I explained that it’s important to keep the spine of the team so we can achieve our sporting objectives,” Fenucci told Sky.
Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci says Napoli made “a great offer” for Simone Verdi, but he didn't want to go.
It was confirmed this morning that the forward has turned down the opportunity to join the Partenopei, despite a deal having been reached with his club.
“At the Christmas dinner I explained that it’s important to keep the spine of the team so we can achieve our sporting objectives,” Fenucci told Sky.
“We received an important offer from Napoli, even if the figures quoted [€23m] are wrong.
“We had a duty to evaluate it with the player, but three conditions had to be met: our agreement with Napoli, the player saying yes to a possible transfer, and us finding a replacement.
“We’re happy to continue the journey with Verdi, one of the most important members of our squad.
“So many figures have been thrown around in this confusing transfer market. What I can say is that we have a high valuation of him, they made a great offer, but one of these three conditions wasn’t met.
“The player wanted to continue with Bologna, we’re happy to have players like that and for that reason the deal didn’t get done.
“We don’t have to sell players, but it’s just a dynamic of the transfer market. Our rivals have made €100m worth of sales and are growing, it’s a path everyone has to go down.
“Verdi will continue his journey with Bologna and we’ll think about this season, from June onward we’ll think about the transfer market.
“The relationship with Napoli is still great. It’s a great club, but we’re happy he decided to continue with us.
“What was the offer? More than I’ve read in recent days…”
Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini was suggested as a potential replacement for Verdi…
“If it had happened, we’d have been obliged to find a suitable replacement for Simone.
“Manolo is a name who is always linked to Bologna, and we to him. It’s something we might attempt over time.”