Fakayejo Paul
BERGAMO — In a stunning late-night development, Atalanta have reached a full agreement to sign Italian international Giacomo Raspadori from Atlético Madrid, effectively hijacking the player from under the nose of AS Roma.
The deal, worth a guaranteed €22m (£18.5m) plus €1m in bonuses, was sealed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. While Roma had spent weeks negotiating a loan-to-buy formula with the Spanish club, Atalanta’s decisive “straight cash” offer proved the turning point for both Atlético and the player.
The “Blitz” in Bergamo
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino personally drove the pursuit, viewing the 25-year-old as the perfect tactical fit for his high-pressing system.
Raspadori’s versatility—capable of playing as a second striker, a winger, or a false nine—allows Atalanta to prepare for the potential departure of Ademola Lookman, who is currently a high-priority target for Fenerbahçe.
- The Bid: Atalanta offered an immediate permanent transfer, whereas Roma insisted on an obligation to buy linked to Champions League qualification.
- The Player’s Choice: Raspadori was reportedly swayed by the “Gasperini legacy” at Atalanta and the guarantee of immediate Champions League football this season.
- Departure from Spain: Raspadori was notably left out of Diego Simeone’s squad for tonight’s Copa del Rey trip to La Coruña to finalize his travel to Italy.
Roma’s Rapid Shift
The collapse of the Raspadori deal explains AS Roma’s sudden and aggressive push for Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz over the last 24 hours. Director Frederic Massara pivoted to the Premier League and Ligue 1 markets once it became clear that Atalanta had won the race for the former Napoli man.