According to Tuttomercato, Domenico Tedesco is considering Orel Mangala for Bologna, particularly because Freuler's future is uncertain as his contract is expiring.

According to @SVFootball_eu and @PianetaBologna_, Bologna is in contact for Orel Mangala and is negotiating for the Belgian midfielder. The preferred formula is a loan with an option to buy, or an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met. The salary is also being discussed, and Mangala should reduce his wage. Bologna would aim for a permanent purchase for less than 10 million euros; above that threshold, the club prefers a loan with an option to buy. Bologna is evaluating Mangala for his technical qualities, international experience, and the leadership he has shown with Belgium under Domenico Tedesco, who is the club's new coach. Mangala was acquired by Lyon in summer 2024, but his season was affected by a serious knee injury in January 2025. Since returning, he has made only 5 appearances. Bologna's market operations are not expected to proceed before July, as the priority is to close the financial year on June 30. The current time is a period of strategy evaluation before concrete operations begin.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna wants to recruit Orel Mangala, which is a wish of the new coach, Domenico Tedesco. The two have previously worked together when Tedesco was in charge of the Belgian national team. The same source states that Tedesco appreciates the 28-year-old midfielder, whose price is estimated by La Gazzetta dello Sport at 10 million euros. According to Corriere dello Sport, the player has been offered to Bologna, and the club is studying this option. The same source adds that the club has some doubts regarding the midfielder's health status, as he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture and took time to recover. Corriere dello Sport also adds that the club does not rule out subjecting him to medical examinations before making a decision, and mentions the transfer could be a loan with an option to buy.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Bologna is interested in Orel Mangala. Lyon has an urgent need for money and is required to sell several players before the end of June. It is likely Bologna will aim to use this situation to sign Mangala for a low price. Mangala was not able to secure a starting position at Lyon after returning from a serious knee injury that caused him to be out of action for nearly eleven months.