Alessandro Diamanti will remain at Bologna after the blind auction, which his club confirms was “like a poker game.”
The player was co-owned between Brescia and Bologna, so went to a blind auction, where each club writes a figure in a sealed envelope and the highest bid wins the full contract.
Alessandro Diamanti will remain at Bologna after the blind auction, which his club confirms was “like a poker game.”
The player was co-owned between Brescia and Bologna, so went to a blind auction, where each club writes a figure in a sealed envelope and the highest bid wins the full contract.
“It was like a long and tiring poker game,” said Bologna President Albano Guaraldi after his €3.36m offer won.
“We had prepared one envelope first, then had a second one with a slightly changed amount inside. We would’ve won with the first envelope too, but we didn’t want to run any risks.
“We could not and did not want to lose him. We sought an agreement with Brescia at all costs to avoid the auction.
“Diamanti is a player who gave us a great deal last season and will continue to help Bologna this term, next term and in future.
“We are aware of his value and will therefore endeavour to improve his contract.”