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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Bologna enter race to sign Hummels </li><li>Veteran defender linked to Leverkusen </li><li>Left Dortmund as a free agent</li></ul>

Mats Hummels receives offer from surprising club as Serie A side look to challenge Bayer Leverkusen to free transfer after Borussia Dortmund departure

Hummels, who is currently without a club after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, has been linked with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/mats-hummels-shock-move-bayer-leverkusen-replacement-bayern-munich-bound-jonathan-tah/blt2920349abb4e3122#cs9dfb5f3417ca8760">move to reigning German champions Bayer Leverkusen</a>. The Bundesliga side are eyeing him as a possible replacement for Jonathan Tah <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/bayern-munich-new-signing-hiroki-ito-ruled-out-for-long-time-broken-foot-step-up-pursuit-of-jonathan-tah/blt79b89cecd212d195">who is wanted by Bayern Munich</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

However, Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci recently hinted that they could compete with Leverkusen to secure the signature of the former Germany defender. Bologna too are looking for a new centre-back after Riccardo Calafiori's departure <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/riccardo-calafiori-arsenal-bound-italy-star-flight-london-prepares-complete-42m-transfer-bologna/blt21d546a1d35c5de1" target="_blank">who is on his way to join Arsenal</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2024/07/26/bologna-hummels-fenucci-intervista-news-calciomercato" target="_blank">Sky Germany</a>, Fenucci said, "Calafiori is signing with Arsenal, another centre-back will be needed. Let's see if it's Hummels or someone else. And after the centre-back's arrival, we'll understand if new signings are necessary. Income from the Champions League and the market allows us to make investments. Sartori has several alternatives. Hummels is fascinating because players at the end of their careers do well here. "But we also have valid and promising profiles, we're waiting for his response but we have 2-3 alternatives who can do well. During the European Championship, I called my players because they did very well and kept Bologna's name high. Apart from Zirkzee and Calafiori, we have the same group and they will be able to help the new ones."He added, "Here, players at the end of their careers have always done well, we are waiting for his response but we have 2-3 alternatives. Dallinga is the best option for us. I dream of bringing a trophy here."

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

The Italian side, who qualified for the Champions League this season, will be next seen in action in a pre-season friendly against Asteras Tripolis on July 31.

WHAT NEXT FOR BOLOGNA?

Mats Hummels receives offer from surprising club as Serie A side look to challenge Bayer Leverkusen to free transfer after Borussia Dortmund departure | Goal.com

Bologna CEO hinted that they could consider signing veteran German defender Mats Hummels as a free agent this summer.