Atalanta Transfer Market: The Juventus Player Is Too Expensive. So, Sarri…
It’s a time for reflection at Atalanta regarding the defense. The transfer of Berat Djimsiti to Al-Diriyah—a €3 million deal with a contract running through 2028— and the injury to Isak Hien—who isn’t expected to return until October—are prompting the Bergamo-based club to consider possible reinforcements on the transfer market.
Among the most highly regarded names is Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen, a player who appeals to the Nerazzurri management. At the moment, however, no concrete steps have been taken: Udinese values the defender at around 25 million euros, a figure considered too high in Bergamo. So Sarri is considering alternatives: above all, Alessio Romagnoli, whom he already knows well.
As for Romagnoli, the situation is far from simple. The defender, born in 1995, seemed set to leave Lazio for Qatar, with a lucrative three-year contract worth six million euros per season offered by Al-Sadd that was practically a done deal. Non-soccer factors have complicated matters: geopolitical tensions linked to an attack on an oil well have prompted the Qatari ministry to freeze investments in the sports sector, effectively blocking the deal. His agent, Vincenzo Raiola, took stock of the situation, explaining that Al-Sadd still wants the player but cannot sign any agreement until the ministry’s budget is unfrozen—though he added that he does not envision a future for his client at Lazio. These statements sparked furious reactions from many Lazio fans on social media.
Yet, surprisingly, Romagnoli showed up at Lazio’s training camp, placing himself under the guidance of new coach Gattuso. And this is where a significant factor comes into play: the two have known each other well since their time at Milan, and their mutual respect could prove decisive. The captain’s armband worn by Romagnoli in the friendly against Avellino was interpreted as a strong signal—almost a confirmation of the club’s intention to continue counting on him. Staying at Lazio, for now, seems like the most likely outcome.
This scenario inevitably complicates Atalanta’s plans. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is working to find the right solution, aware that Sarri would gladly welcome Romagnoli back but that the transfer window won’t wait. Meanwhile, Atalanta has resumed preseason training: last Saturday, the Nerazzurri took the field in Gelsenkirchen against Schalke 04, with a reshuffled defense that featured Kossounou and Scalvini at the heart of the backline. This is a clear sign that the issue of defensive reinforcements is anything but a secondary concern in Sarri’s mind.
