Official: Bernardeschi returns to Italy and joins Bologna in permanent deal

Federico Bernardeschi is back in Serie A after three years away in MLS with Toronto FC, and has now officially joined Bologna on a permanent deal after terminating his contract in Canada earlier this summer. 

Official: Bernardeschi joins Bologna on free transfer

Bologna have officially confirmed the arrival of Bernardeschi on a permanent transfer, on what is reported as a two-year contract, which will run until the summer of 2027. 

Bernardeschi arrives on a free transfer after mutually reaching a decision to terminate his contract with Toronto earlier this summer, which was originally due to expire in 2026. 

The Rossoblu have confirmed that Bernardeschi will wear the no.10 shirt for the 2025-26 season. 

The 31-year-old becomes Bologna’s fourth new signing of the summer transfer window, following the earlier arrivals of Ciro Immobile, Martin Vitik and young goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, who has since moved on loan to CF Montreal. 

“Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has acquired the rights to Federico Bernardeschi on a permanent basis,” a statement on the club website read.

“Born in 1994, he is a natural left-footer with good individual technique, used in various roles including attacking midfielder, winger and outside midfield. 

“Good at dribbling, he is a player with ball control qualities and speed, with a powerful shot from outside, among the most talented of his generation.

“Bernardeschi began playing in Atletico Carrara and then moved on to Polisportiva Ponzano and the Fiorentina youth team. After the experience in Serie B at Crotone, he returned to Florence. The best season in terms of scoring in Serie A was 2016/17 with Fiorentina, when he scored 11 goals, attracting the interest of Juventus. 

“With the Bianconeri jersey, he played five seasons, before moving to Toronto in 2022. In MLS he became the Canadian club’s highest league goal scorer in a single season: 25, at least five more than any other teammate.”