Veteran Italian striker Ciro Immobile has returned to Serie A, signing with Bologna after parting ways with Turkish giants Besiktas. Bologna announced the signing on Thursday, welcoming the 35-year-old forward to the Rossoblù family.
Immobile, Lazio’s all-time leading goalscorer, left Besiktas earlier this week after his contract with the Istanbul-based club was mutually terminated. According to Sky Sport Italia, he has signed a one-year contract with Bologna, with an option to extend for a second season.
“The newest member of the Rossoblù family, Ciro Immobile,” Bologna posted on social media, confirming the arrival of the experienced striker.
Immobile’s move marks a homecoming for the former Italy international, who spent a prolific period in Serie A, particularly with Lazio, where he scored over 160 goals in all competitions. He won the European Golden Shoe in 2020 after netting 36 goals in a single Serie A campaign.
During his brief stint in Turkey, Immobile made 41 appearances for Besiktas, scoring 19 goals across all competitions. Despite his age, he demonstrated that he still possesses a sharp eye for goal, helping the club remain competitive domestically and in European fixtures.
Although he has not featured for the Italian national team since 2023, Immobile remains one of the most recognizable figures in Italian football, having earned 57 caps and played in major tournaments including Euro 2020, which Italy won.
Bologna will hope Immobile’s experience and leadership can bolster their squad ahead of a busy 2024/25 season. The club finished ninth in Serie A last season but earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League after lifting the Coppa Italia — their first major trophy in over five decades.
The signing of Immobile signals Bologna’s intent to strengthen their attacking options as they prepare for both domestic and European competition. With a proven goalscorer now in their ranks, Bologna fans have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming campaign.
For Immobile, this move offers one more shot at Serie A glory and a chance to leave a mark at another storied Italian club before the twilight of his career.
