Bologna is closing in on a deal to sign defender Rahim Alhassane from Spanish side Real Oviedo. The move is being framed as a strategic investment to strengthen the club's defensive depth, though sources close to the negotiations acknowledge potential financial risks tied to the transfer.
Why the move makes sense
Bologna's backline has been stretched this season, and the club's scouting department has identified Alhassane as a player who can slot in immediately. At 24, the center-back has logged regular minutes in Spain's second division and shown the kind of composure on the ball that fits the style manager Thiago Motta wants to play. The club sees him as a long-term piece rather than a quick fix.
Real Oviedo, meanwhile, is open to selling. The Spanish side needs to balance its books, and Alhassane's contract runs through 2026. That gives Bologna some leverage, but it also means the asking price isn't a bargain-bin figure. The two clubs are still haggling over the final structure — upfront fee versus add-ons — but a deal is expected before the January window closes.
The financial side
No official figures have been disclosed, but the deal is described as a significant outlay for a player from Spain's second tier. That alone carries risk. Serie A has seen plenty of imports from lower European leagues struggle to adapt to the pace and physicality of Italian football. Bologna is betting that Alhassane's technical foundation will help him make the jump.
There's also the matter of wages. Alhassane would likely command a salary well above what he earns at Oviedo, and if he doesn't settle, that contract becomes a drag on the wage bill. The club's recent history with defensive signings has been mixed — some have thrived, others have barely featured. This one comes with no guarantees.
Bologna hopes to finalize the paperwork within the next week. Alhassane is expected to fly to Italy for a medical once the clubs agree on the final terms. If everything goes through, he'll be available for selection in early February, just as the schedule starts to pile up with league and cup commitments.
