Awudu Abass to Virtus Bologna: It’s happening

Awudu Abass’s return to Virtus Bologna is rapidly approaching. *La Repubblica* highlights this. “Dubai wants to sell, and Virtus wants to buy. It’s practically a done deal, with Abi having reached an agreement on the financial terms: both inside and outside the club, people are whispering that even the commas have been settled,” the article states. Having moved to the United Arab Emirates in the summer of 2024, the talent who came of age in Cantù is currently tied to the Asian club by a lucrative contract; it is therefore necessary to reach an agreement that will allow him to become a free agent. Encouraging signs are coming from Dubai, however: the club there is reportedly willing to cover part of the player’s salary, while the remaining portion would be covered by the Bianconeri.

Interest in the 1993-born forward has been confirmed personally by owner Massimo Zanetti. Abass, who previously played for Virtus from 2020 to 2024, has been sidelined by the Dubai team this season. With the “Vu nere,” he won one Scudetto, one EuroCup, and three Italian Super Cups. The excellent relationship between the two clubs—evidenced in part by Kokila’s loan to Virtus—could facilitate a final agreement.

Virtus also starts with a significant advantage: Abass is familiar with the Bologna environment and is highly regarded by head coach Alex Mumbrú. His move would therefore be a return marked by continuity rather than a debut.

Until recently, however, the door wasn’t completely closed. Still in the background are the two Rome-based clubs, Maxima and BC Roma, which had shown interest in the 33-year-old in recent weeks. Abroad, meanwhile, there is talk of PAOK Thessaloniki: Coach Andrea Trinchieri, who had previously coached Abass in Cantù, would welcome him with open arms should he make a surprise decision not to return to Italy.