Atalanta have completed the permanent signing of Gianluca Gaetano from Cagliari, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The transfer fee is reported to be €12 million, with a further €2 million potentially payable in bonuses. Gaetano, a 2000-born midfielder, arrives as a replacement for Ederson, who is set to join Manchester United.
The move for Gaetano was swiftly completed by Atalanta’s new sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, and approved by head coach Maurizio Sarri. The player is expected in Bergamo on Thursday, July 9th, to undergo a medical examination before the deal is officially announced. Gaetano spent three seasons with Cagliari, establishing himself as a key player for the Serie A side.
During his time in Sardinia, Gaetano made 76 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists. He previously played for Napoli, but found more consistent playing time at Cagliari following his transfer in 2021. His arrival at Atalanta provides Sarri with another option in midfield ahead of a season that includes European competition.
Atalanta have returned to training at Zingonia, with Sarri having called up 33 players from the first team and Under 23 squad. The early start to pre-season is due to Atalanta’s participation in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. They will discover their third-round opponent on August 3rd, with the ties taking place on August 6th and 13th. Success in these rounds is crucial for Atalanta to reach the group stage of the competition. The departure of Ederson to Manchester United created a vacancy in the squad, and Giuntoli moved quickly to secure Gaetano as his replacement, signalling a proactive approach to the transfer window.
This transfer represents a significant step for Gaetano, offering him the opportunity to play for a club consistently competing in European competitions and under the guidance of a highly-regarded coach in Sarri.
