Awudu Abass-Virtus Bologna: There’s one last major hurdle—the competition could make a comeback

Awudu Abass’s return to Virtus Bologna is looking increasingly likely, though it’s not yet completely finalized. Owner Massimo Zanetti has personally confirmed the club’s interest in the forward, born in 1993, who previously played for Virtus from 2020 to 2024, but the key issue remains financial: his salary in Dubai (which has sidelined him this season) is high, and the Bologna club is working on a solution to prevent the deal from falling through at the very last minute.

The 33-year-old, who has also played for Cantù, Olimpia Milano, and Brescia, won a Scudetto, a EuroCup, and three Italian Super Cups with the “Vu nere.” As reported by ‘Il Resto del Carlino’, the approach being considered for his return to Serie A involves splitting his salary: Dubai would be asked to cover part of the financial burden, with Virtus ready to cover the remainder.

The excellent relationship between the two clubs—evidenced in part by Kokila’s loan to the Bianconeri—could facilitate the deal, especially considering that Virtus starts with a significant advantage: Abass knows the Bologna scene well, has won titles with the Vu Nere, and is highly regarded by coach Alex Mumbrú. A return to Bologna would represent a continuation rather than a fresh start: the player has already proven he can make an impact with the black-and-white team.

In the background, further removed but still ready to pounce should negotiations fall through, are the two Rome-based clubs, Maxima and BC Roma, which in recent weeks had shown interest in the veteran basketball player. Abroad, meanwhile, there is talk of PAOK: the coach of the Thessaloniki club, Milan-native Andrea Trinchieri, would welcome Abass with open arms should he unexpectedly decide not to return to Italy to continue his professional career.