Man Utd-target Zirkzee and five Bologna stars the big clubs want

Bologna were perhaps the Cinderella story of top-level European football this past season.

The provincial Serie A side have spent much of the new millennium battling against relegation or as mid-table also-rans.

But on a shoe-string budget, Bologna stunned Italian football under brilliant young coach Thiago Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

Here are five of their stars who have made it happen, and who the big European clubs are circling around this summer.

Joshua Zirkzee

Bologna’s star man, Joshua Zirkzee has emerged in 2023-24 as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe.

The 22-year-old, who has a €40 million release clause in his contract, scored 11 goals and delivered four assists this past season in Serie A.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.

Due to his blend of height, strength and technique, Dutchman Zirkzee has been compared by some to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He had been expected to join Milan, who agreed personal terms with the striker. But the deal hit problems over the commission demanded by his agent Kia Joorabchian. This has allowed Premier League giants Man Utd to potentially hijack the move.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has been another massive breakout star in Serie A this past season.

Having grown up as a left-back at Roma, Motta masterfully converted Calafiori into a left-sided centre back.

The 22-year-old was a colossus at the back for a Bologna side who had the third best defensive record in the division.

Physically impressive, aggressive and excellent in the air, Calafiori reads the game well. He is also very good bringing the ball out and joining in the play further up the pitch.

Juventus are favourites to sign him, with Calafiori already agreeing terms with the Bianconeri. However, Bologna are not keen to sell and after impressing at Euro 2024 for Italy, there are other big clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid and Newcastle also interested.

Lewis Ferguson

Lewis Ferguson emerged as one of the best goalscoring midfielders in Serie A this past season.

Blessed with an excellent and accurate shot, Ferguson is expert at making late runs into the box and positioning himself in areas where he can be a goalscoring threat.

He scored six goals in Serie A, making him one of the best scorers in the league from his position. Ferguson was also often decisive with his strikes, scoring the winner in four matches for Bologna.

However, an ACL injury in the closing weeks of the season means he missed Euro 2024 and will be out for some time. A summer transfer is now unlikely but interested clubs such as Juventus and Premier League sides still have him in their sights for the future.

Riccardo Orsolini

Riccardo Orsolini has flattered to deceive for much of his career, but Motta finally managed to get the best out of the Italian winger this past season.

Stockily built, with a lovely left foot, tricky dribbling and plenty of pace, Orsolini was a dangerous weapon as an inverted right-winger.

The 27-year-old scored 10 goals, making him the second highest scorer in Serie A in his position. He also provided two assists.

Orsolini has admirers in the Premier League, who could return for the Italian this summer.

Dan NDoye

Dan NDoye didn’t have a vintage first season at Bologna – scoring only one goal – but there is no doubting the attacker’s raw attributes.

Blessed with blistering pace and direct running, NDoye was one of the best players in the Euro 2024 group stage as he scored against Germany.

He already has interest from Inter Milan but other clubs will no doubt follow the 23-year-old.