We’re already amid a very busy transfer window as I write this, but it is never too early to get out the crystal ball and look out into the future. Fortunately, Atalanta does not have any expiring contracts to worry about this summer, but there are a handful coming up next summer that La Dea will either have to address now or in January – or offer extensions. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got, and try to prevent any Bosman deals before they creep up on us.
All contracts are assumed to expire in June of 2022, if there are options for players – I will make a note.
Marco Sportiello ($2.2M valuation)
This one is pretty easy. Sportiello has been a fine backup, but there are too many good enough options out there to supplant as a back-up keeper. Carnesecchi should be ready perhaps even as early as next year to get Serie A minutes, making Sportiello one of the most expendable players on the club.
Verdict: Look to sell or even let walk for free in 2022
Jose Luis Palomino ($11.0M valuation)
Palomino will be 32 next January, but he still offers good value as the first defender off the bench. He can fill in both in the middle or on the left side of the back three, and has also been excellent when paired with Romero when La Dea look to go four at the back. With age, nagging injuries and diminishing pace are the first signs of decline, but Palomino has avoided both nicely so far, and can still provide value as Atalanta looks to usher in the next breed of centerbacks.
Verdict: Look to resign on a 1 or 2 year deal
Robin Gosens ($38.5M valuation) – has an option
I’ll firstly admit that I’ve only heard that Gosens has an option on his deal. Transfermarkt states that he does not, but I’ll write this post under the impression that Atalanta can exercise a deal with the German until 2023 if the club so chooses. And it is absolutely what they should choose to do. If they are not wowed by an offer this summer (there have not been any hot rumors since Leicester who now aren’t even in the UCL), Atalanta should look to keep their stalwart on the left. Let the big boys come calling next year, as he continues to blossom into one of the best and most unique left backs in Europe.
Verdict: Exercise option, and look to sell in 2022
Remo Freuler ($27.5M valuation)
There have been reports that the two sides have been looking to sign an extension, which should be an obvious choice that needs little explanation. If Koopmeiners comes in, I envision San Remo and Teun getting the lion’s share of the minutes – and the vice-captain is the unsung hero of the club that I would love to see retire in black and blue.
Verdict: Sign to an extension.
Matteo Pessina ($22.0M valuation)
Confirmed that Pessina has signed on until 2025, so pretty much everything below is moot!
The Pessina deal gets a little tricky, given AC Milan would receive 50% of the proceeds for any future transfer. A petty fan (not me!), would let him walk for free, bring him back on loan and then sign him permanently, just to not pay Milan the cash! But in reality, Pessina is a tough nut to crack. He played very well filling in for Papu, but his future with the squad will really depend on Atalanta’s moves this summer. I love his industry out of the trequartista role, and it oddly fits – and is something that could not be replicated by a Jeremie Boga or Calvin Stengs. There’s a lot of options in Atalanta’s ranks, but not a lot of space up front for attackers. But I’ve got tunnel vision for Pessina, I want him!
Verdict: Sign to an extension
Josip Ilicic ($6.6M valuation) – has an option
As painful as it is to say, I think Ilicic’s time is done with Atalanta. He’ll be 34 next year, and already showed signs of slowing down this year. He can still pull off a worldy, but I ,nor I imagine his teammates, have the patience to wait one out of every five games for that to emerge from his bag of tricks. Ilicic has been a great ambassador for Atalanta, but there are just too many talented and more reliable players waiting in the wings to take his minutes. AC Milan has already shown interest in the Slovenian – and while I’d hate to see him go to a direct rival, I think cashing in on him for anything near his current valuation is smart business.
Verdict: Look to sell this summer
Personally I don’t think there’s anything too controversial in this list. Atalanta’s brass don’t have too many difficult choices to make to ensure they’re not leaving dollars on the table. Deals, especially in football, are never as easy saying yes or no, but knowing how Atalanta is run, I’m sure the club has figured out what to do with each and every player already on this list. This will be a fun list to come back to as the months toil on, so stay tuned! As always, Forza Dea!
