In somewhat of a surprising move Atalanta looks to have a deal set up to sign Eredivisie youngster Sam Lammers from PSV. Financials are not yet available, but it seems the two squads are looking to find a happy medium between 7 and 10 million euros. It’s a somewhat questionable move, but with the uncertainties of Ilicic’s fitness and when Miranchuk will be fully available to suit up because of injury; Atalanta at least look to be addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses, depth.
While a knee injury forced Lammers to miss most of last year with PSV, he has shown goal scoring prowess in the Netherland’s top league, netting 16 goals while on loan at Heerenveen two years ago. A natural lefty, he appears to be adept with both feet capable of stroking in balls from both sides of the pitch. No doubt a potentially exciting signing, especially for his age and skill, I still question as to exactly how he fits into the Atalanta squad. He’s almost too good on the ball to play as a classic striker/targetman like Zapata, and with both Ilicic and Miranchuk in the mix twirling around with their left feet, one’s immediate reaction could be that Lammers is attacking overkill (especially considering other areas of the squad that need some reinforcements).
However, with the near guarantee that Colley and possible Traore are going to leave on loan to Parma, it makes the signing more justifiable. Although the glut of left-footed players is still staggering. Ilicic, Malinovskyi, Miranchuk, and now Lammers all more or less occupy the same spot on the pitch and besides Papu (and maybe Pasalic) there’s no real secondary attacking threat coming from the left side of the pitch. At least Lammers can provide some positional versatility and play as a classic 9 when called upon, which can provide some relief for Duvan who was clearly begging for help towards the end of last year due to fatigue.
I’m still sitting on my hands with this one. Lammers clearly has good technique and a nose for goal, I’m still confused as to how exactly he’ll fit into the attacking framework. Time will tell, but for now an early welcome to Sam Lammers and the best of luck at Atalanta!
