Atalanta have formally completed the signing of midfielder Gianluca Gaetano from Cagliari for a reported fee of €14 million. The 26-year-old underwent medical examinations over the past 24 hours before the Bergamo club announced the transfer on Thursday.
The deal is structured as €12 million upfront plus €2 million in performance-related bonuses. This represents excellent business for Cagliari, who purchased Gaetano outright just last summer for €6.2 million following a successful loan spell. The Sardinian club have effectively doubled their investment within 12 months.
Sarri’s first signing
New head coach Maurizio Sarri specifically requested the signing as he begins rebuilding the squad. Gaetano arrives as a direct replacement for Ederson, who is on his way to Manchester United.
Sarri, who took charge of La Dea earlier this summer after spells with Lazio, Juventus and Chelsea, identified the creative midfielder as a player who could bring different characteristics to his tactical setup. The 26-year-old has already linked up with Atalanta’s pre-season training camp in Bergamo, which began on Thursday.
From Napoli outcast to Bergamo
Gaetano is a product of the Napoli youth academy but struggled to establish himself at his hometown club. Despite being highly rated as a youngster, he made only sporadic appearances for the Partenopei before seeking regular first-team football elsewhere.
Loan moves to Cremonese and Cagliari followed, with the latter securing his permanent signature in 2023. Across 93 Serie A appearances to date, Gaetano has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists. He has also featured in five Champions League matches, offering valuable experience at that level.
Atalanta will hope the midfielder can add creativity and squad depth as they prepare for another season balancing domestic commitments with Champions League football. The club secured qualification for Europe’s premier competition last term and are currently working under Sarri’s guidance at their pre-season base in northern Italy.