Bologna consider triggering Joao Mario option-to-buy from Juventus | OneFootball

Bologna are weighing up a permanent move for Portuguese right-back Joao Mario after the January loan signing has impressed sufficiently to convince the club’s hierarchy to pursue a full transfer from Juventus this summer.

The right-back has made eight appearances since joining on loan in the winter window, scoring once, and has shown enough quality in both defensive and attacking phases to persuade Vincenzo Italiano’s staff that he merits a longer-term commitment.

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Combined with his 13 appearances in the first half of the season with Juventus, Mario has accumulated over 20 outings across all competitions this campaign.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Joao Mario of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Nikola Moro and Martin Vitik during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna eager to make Joao Mario stay permanent

According to Sportmediaset, via CalcioMercato, Bologna are now seriously exploring the possibility of opening formal negotiations with Juventus for a permanent deal.

The timing works in their favour, Juventus are understood to have no plans to reintegrate Mario into their first-team setup despite having paid Porto €11.4 million plus €1.2 million in additional costs just last summer.

The Turin club are willing to listen to offers and have set a valuation of around €10 million, a figure that would allow them to avoid a significant loss on their books while freeing up a squad place.

For Bologna, the deal represents an opportunity to secure an internationally experienced full-back with room to develop further, at a price that feels manageable.

Mario is contracted to Juventus until June 2030, giving both clubs a strong incentive to resolve his future decisively this summer rather than allow uncertainty to drag into another season.