Ex-Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian fills Bologna’s defensive need

Ex-Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has agreed a one‑year contract with Bologna, ending a three‑month spell as a free agent. The 36‑year‑old right‑back, who made 92 appearances for Manchester United, became available at the end of June after his Inter Milan contract expired.

Why Bologna needed a versatile defender

Bologna’s full‑back Emil Holm suffered a hamstring injury playing for Sweden in the Nations League and will miss around four months following surgery. The club therefore required a player capable of covering both flanks, and Darmian’s ability to operate on the left or right offered an immediate solution.

Deal details and recent form

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal is a free transfer, with Bologna offering a one‑year contract. Darmian last featured in May, starting for Inter against Verona before being substituted at halftime. His previous six‑year spell at Inter began on loan from Parma in 2020 and saw him exceed 200 games for the Italian giants.

During his time at Inter, Darmian won three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies, and reached the Champions League final twice. He left the club on 30 June when his contract ran out, posting a heartfelt Instagram tribute to the fans and staff.

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Career background and next challenge

Darmian began his career in AC Milan’s academy, later playing for Palermo and Torino before moving to Manchester United in 2015. At United he lifted the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League between 2015 and 2019. The arrivals of Aaron Wan‑Bissaka and Diogo Dalot prompted his departure, after which he returned to Italy with Parma and then Inter.

Joining Bologna will mark the eighth club of his 20‑year career. The Serie A side hope his experience will stabilise a back line weakened by Holm’s injury. Darmian could face his former club Inter as early as 17 October when Bologna meet them in league action.

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Getty images confirm the announcement, and the club’s statement highlighted Darmian’s professionalism during the trial period that led to the contract offer.