Sebastiano Esposito transfer dispute

In late July 2026 Cagliari striker Sebastiano Esposito left the club’s pre‑season camp in Ponte di Legno without permission. The club announced that he would miss the friendly against Union Berlin and warned of possible disciplinary action. Agent Mario Giuffredi countered that the player had been granted a five‑day leave approved by sporting director Pietro Accardi and coach Fabio Pisacane, and said the clash stemmed from stalled contract‑renewal talks.

Initial speculation linked Atalanta with a €5 million bid plus midfielder Daniel Maldini, while Napoli, Hull City and others showed interest. By 1 August no concrete offers materialised; Atalanta’s sporting director indicated the market would remain quiet until national‑team players returned. Bologna, reshaping its attack, listed Esposito among potential targets after deciding to move on from striker Thijs Dallinga, and began monitoring clubs in France, Germany and England.

On 2 August the dispute escalated. Giuffredi accused former sporting director Accardi of being a “terror‑stricken puppet” and claimed the club offered €1.2 million per season against the player’s €1.7‑€1.8 million demand. Cagliari reportedly set a transfer fee of €20 million in cash, potentially reducible to €18 million, but a direct meeting with president Tommaso Giulini had not taken place.

On 1 August 2026 Bologna wrapped up two pre‑season friendlies and confirmed it remains actively scouting Esposito as a possible signing, while no concrete offer has emerged. The broader transfer market saw Juventus loan teenage midfielder Vasilije Adzic to Sassuolo, underscoring ongoing activity, but Esposito’s situation remains unresolved, leaving his future at Cagliari uncertain.