Gasperini confirms high‑profile targets out of reach and outlines modest transfer plan for Atalanta
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used his first pre‑season press conference to make clear that the club will not pursue marquee signings such as Crysencio Summerville and Mason Greenwood this summer. The coach stressed that the decision is driven by the club’s wage‑bill discipline rather than a lack of owner support, noting that “they’re not within our reach, but by choice, not because the owners can’t afford it.”
The departure of Turkish winger Zeki Celik to Juventus after his contract expired was highlighted as a reminder of the need for faster negotiations. “There’s a slow pace in closing deals. Celik’s contract was expiring, but we thank him anyway,” Gasperini said, underscoring the urgency of securing replacements before the market stalls.
Gasperini outlined a realistic target of three to four quality signings to replace players leaving on loan and to reinforce the squad. “We need three or four quality signings, but the transfer market seems to be stalled for almost all teams,” he explained, indicating that Atalanta will focus on attainable options rather than chasing unattainable stars.
Roma eye Turkish full‑back Mert Muldur to fill Celik’s vacancy
Regarding UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, the coach clarified that recent extensions allow clubs to settle accounts without blocking new acquisitions. “The agreement with UEFA is a complicated one… These restrictions don’t prevent signings,” he said, adding that the club is working closely with management to navigate the rules. On the domestic front, Gasperini confirmed the renewal of centre‑back Cristian Cristante and midfielder Alessandro Mancini, while acknowledging that Lorenzo Pellegrini remains sidelined with injury. “I hope Pellegrini can renew his contract, but in any case, he won’t be able to train because he needs to recover from his injury,” the coach noted. Tactically, Gasperini revealed a deliberate decision to keep the midfield thin, granting players more space and avoiding rigid hierarchies. “We’re short in midfield by choice; I want to give everyone space so they’re all ready. There are no hierarchies,” he explained, signalling a strategic shift that aligns with the club’s modest recruitment plan. Finally, the coach reiterated Atalanta’s policy of prioritising squad stability over chasing marquee names, warning that bringing in players who outshine existing stars could cause internal friction. “When these parameters aren’t met, we look elsewhere,” Gasperini concluded, confirming a measured approach to the upcoming transfer window.