Atalanta Emerge Victorious in Raspadori Sweepstakes

Giacomo Raspadori is indeed returning to Serie A, but not at Roma or Napoli, which had been chasing after him lately, as Atalanta swooped in and won the race with a decisive offer. The Nerazzurri prevailed for several reasons, chiefly because they proposed a permanent transfer rather than more uncertain formulas, Corriere di Bergamo reports.

They’ll shell out €22M plus €1M add-ons for the Italian attacker. His wages will be lower relative to what he could have earned with the Giallorossi or in Campania, €3M annually.

Raspadori also chose Atalanta because of the opportunity to play in the Champions League and a prospective bigger role compared to other destinations. He chatted with coach Raffaele Palladino before okaying the transfer. He’s reuniting with his former Sassuolo partner Gianluca Scamacca.

La Dea had been following him for a few years, but Napoli beat them to the punch when he left the Neroverdi and then refused to sell him to potential rivals.

Despite the addition, the Nerazzurri have no plans to part ways with Ademola Lookman mid-season. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are currently courting him. Only a disproportionate bid, like the one that led to Mateo Retegui’s sudden departure, could lead to a 180.

Our Take on Atalanta Signing Raspadori

His indecision about Roma didn’t smell right, and, in fact, it turns out he just didn’t want to go there, or he would have signed off two weeks ago. After so many years as a backup, it makes sense for him to aspire to be a featured player, which wouldn’t have been the case elsewhere. He’ll have competition in Bergamo too, but, even if it doesn’t happen in January, the writing appears to be on the wall for Lookman.