Giuntoli was close to West Ham before Atalanta agreement | OneFootball

Alfredo Pedullà reports that Cristiano Giuntoli was in advanced talks with West Ham before agreeing to terms with Atalanta.

Former Napoli and Juventus director Giuntoli was close to reaching an agreement with English side West Ham before accepting an offer from Atalanta, according to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà.

Giuntoli could have joined West Ham in 2026-27

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates and fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It is reported that Giuntoli and West Ham were in advanced talks, with ‘very good chances’ of reaching an agreement.

The Hammers’ struggles in the Premier League ultimately led to their relegation to the English Championship.

This decline, coupled with Atalanta’s interest, led to the end of negotiations between the Italian director and West Ham. Consequently, La Dea was able to finalise a deal with the 54-year-old.

Juventus Football director Cristiano Giuntoli (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Giuntoli was sacked by Juventus last summer and remained without a club in the 2025-26 season.

Atalanta are expected to confirm his appointment in the coming days.

The Nerazzurri will play in the Conference League next season and are expected to hire Maurizio Sarri as a new coach. The Tuscan already worked with Giuntoli at Napoli and will replace Raffaele Palladino at the Gewiss Stadium.