Could Rodrigo Palacio be a Target for Montreal?

Following Bologna’s last game of the 2018/19 season yesterday, former Inter and Argentina striker, Rodrigo Palacio alluded to uncertainty over his immediate future.

“I don’t know if I will be here next season. I have to talk with the club and we need to reach an agreement.”

Now 37, and after spending the last two seasons at Stadio Renata Dell’Ara, he may become surplus to requirements there, as Bologna look to introduce younger talent.

There’s been no speculation as yet linking the ‘La Trenza’ plaited striker to Montreal Impact, however given the MLS club’s lack of potency up front, you wonder if there’s a short-term fix at hand.

For sure Palacio has just come off a long Serie A season, where he’s been a key figure for Bologna in their successful battle against relegation (28 apps, 3 goals).

He’s scored over 200 goals in a top flight career that has straddled his home country as well as Italy, where he played five seasons for Inter. He’s also represented his country at two World Cups.

His goals this season have been somewhat less plentiful, but he’s a versatile striker, capable of playing in more than one offensive role. He makes intelligent runs, skilfully creating space for others and is technically gifted. MLS is not Serie A, and this writer would be prepared to bet a move across the Atlantic would see Palacio’s goals again begin to flow.

Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images

Speaking after Bologna’s final match yesterday, Palacio said, “It doesn’t matter if I score or not, as the important thing is the team wins. I train well and run hard, but my team-mates make it easy for me too.”

The Impact could do worse, although at his age, much would depend on the player’s thoughts around rest and where his career goes from here. But he’s certainly looked fit and healthy for Bologna this season, and despite advancing years looks like a player who could help resolve the Impact’s goalscoring problems, at least short-term.