Bologna confirm ‘Beukema asked to join Napoli, no demand from Ndoye’

Dan Ndoye of Bologna (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Sam Beukema (L) and Benjamin Dominguez the Serie A match between Bologna and Torino at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci confirms Sam Beukema ‘asked to join Napoli,’ but Dan Ndoye ‘has not made any request’ and the club doesn’t intend to sell anyone else.

As reported for the last four months by Football Italia’s own transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the Dutch defender had his heart set on joining the Scudetto winners this summer.

The negotiations dragged on, but ultimately the player’s intentions were decisive, and he is due to undergo a medical after completing the €30m including add-ons deal.

Bologna had to let Beukema go

“The negotiation process was long and complex,” confessed Bologna CEO Fenucci today during a press conference to present new signing Ciro Immobile.

“Our plan was to confirm almost all the players in the squad from last season, which was exceptional in terms of results and enthusiasm from the fans.

“However, all clubs sell players, so we decide to let go those who feel a lack of motivation. Sam told us many times, along with his father in a very polite manner, that he wanted to go to Napoli.”

Beukema had been in a double negotiation with Bologna teammate Ndoye, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Napoli, but this situation is very different.

“We intend to stop here when it comes to sales, unless there are situations we cannot predict right now. We don’t need to make any more sales,” added Fenucci.

“We know the value of our players, now we have made a sale and have no need for any more. Unlike Sam, we can say Ndoye has not made any request, he was always very relaxed.

“As for Sam, there has been too much criticism aimed at him.”

Bologna won the Coppa Italia last season and qualified for the Europa League, so are bringing in more veteran talents after free agent Immobile.

The next will be Federico Bernardeschi, who has left Toronto FC in MLS.

“We are down to the details with Federico and he could arrive soon,” concluded Fenucci.