Done Deal: Theate return to Bologna on loan with €15m option to buy | OneFootball

Bologna have agreed a deal for the return of Belgium international Arthur Theate from Eintracht Frankfurt, on loan with option to buy for €15m.

There had already been multiple reports last night that the Rossoblu were in talks with the defender for a potential comeback to the Stadio Dall’Ara.

It is now confirmed by Sky Sports Deutschland that the final details were worked out.

Theate back at Bologna

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Arthur Theate #3 of Belgium arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

This is set to be a loan with option to buy at the end of the season for a total fee of €15m.

The defender turned 26 in May and has 36 senior caps for Belgium, including at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

This is a surprising return to Bologna, because Theate had already joined the club from KV Oostende in the summer of 2021.

SALERNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Arthur Theate of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between US Salernitana and Bologna FC at Stadio Arechi on February 26, 2022 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

He was sold to Stade Rennes a year later for €19m plus bonus, a massive profit on the €6.75m purchase.

The player then went to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in 2024 with option to buy for €13m.