Virtus CEO Baraldi on Real Madrid rumors: ‘Cordinier will stay with us’
Isaia Cordinier was rumored to leave Virtus and join Real Madrid, but Virtus CEO shut the rumors down, stating that Cordinier would not leave.Isaia Cordinier has arguably been the most impressive Virtus Segafredo Bologna player in the EuroLeague so far. As such, rumors started spreading about his possible departure, with Real Madrid being linked as the most likely suitors.Cordinier did not play in the Italian League (LBA) game against Openjobmetis Varese, sparking even more discussion. However, Virtus CEO Luca Baraldi put the rumors to rest.
“Cordinier will stay with us until the end of the season, and this is not only my thought but also that of the members [of the Board]. The player is at the center of our project, and since we are serious people and we have made a commitment to those who have placed their trust in us, and I am referring to our season ticket holders and the companies that sponsor us, it is not our intention to change the cards on the table at the beginning of the season by losing face in front of them,” Baraldi told Il Resto del Carlino.
Cordinier is 1st in Virtus in assists and 2nd in points, rebounds, and PIR, only trailing an established EuroLeague star, Tornike Shengelia. Overall, Cordinier is averaging 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists for 14.6 PIR.
“Despite the defeat in Varese in the championship, we’re doing very well, and we have signs in the EuroLeague that our performance is improving. For this reason, we will not deprive ourselves of an element that is among the most positive. I am the CEO of the club, and I believe there are no reasons to justify his departure, also considering what his future ambitions are,” Baraldi said.
Interestingly, the next Virtus’ game in the EuroLeague is against Real Madrid on Tuesday, November 12th. Virtus will welcome Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in their home court on Friday, November 15th, to mark the end of the third double week of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.
