Southampton Winger Completes £18.3m Serie A Move | OneFootball

Sulemana’s Move to Atalanta Highlights Shift in Southampton’s Transfer Strategy

Sulemana Completes Serie A Switch

Kamaldeen Sulemana’s departure from Southampton to Atalanta has been confirmed, signalling the end of a chapter on the South Coast and the beginning of an exciting new adventure in Serie A. As reported by Sky Sports News‘ Zinny Boswell, “The 23-year-old has passed all his medical checks and the contracts have been signed ahead of an announcement.”

It is a move that has been in the works for some time, and now the details are finalised. “Atalanta agreed an £18.3m (€21.5m) deal with Southampton for the winger.” That figure includes a £15m initial payment and £3.3m in add-ons, while “Saints have also secured a 15 per cent sell on clause.”

From a business perspective, Southampton will consider the deal a relatively smart return on a player who showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency during his time in England. Sulemana, meanwhile, gets the opportunity to reinvent himself on the European stage with a club preparing for Champions League football under a manager who values pace and technical flair.

Photo: IMAGO

Atalanta Add Speed and Versatility

For Atalanta, Sulemana offers more than potential. He adds immediate pace, width and directness to a team that thrives in transition. The Ghana international suits the high-intensity, vertical football favoured in Bergamo, and his ability to play on either flank gives his new club greater tactical flexibility.

His move also reflects the long-term vision of former Southampton boss Ivan Juric, who was instrumental in bringing Sulemana to the Italian club. Juric saw a player capable of unlocking games with sharp bursts of acceleration and one-on-one creativity.

Sulemana arrives with unfinished business. His time in the Premier League did not yield the consistency expected, but few doubt his talent. A fresh environment and a manager with a defined project could be the catalyst he needs to find top form.

Southampton Look Ahead Under Will Still

The sale marks a new phase for Southampton, now led by manager Will Still. The Belgian-English coach is tasked with guiding Saints through a reset following their promotion push and changes in squad structure. Offloading Sulemana gives the club flexibility in the market, with the funds and salary space likely to be reinvested.

Still will now look to shape a team in his image, one that balances youth development with competitive ambition. Letting go of Sulemana, especially with a sell-on clause in place, shows Southampton are planning sensibly for the future. They are not just selling talent, they are selling it with safeguards.

Photo: IMAGO

Champions League Opportunity Motivates Winger

Sulemana is reported to be excited about joining a side that will compete in Europe’s top club competition. According to Sky Sports, “The Ghana international is understood to be excited about the project, with the Italian club playing in the Champions League in the coming season.”

That prospect alone changes the scope of this move. Atalanta are not signing a squad option, they are bringing in a player to contribute immediately. The challenge for Sulemana will be to translate raw potential into decisive end product on some of the biggest nights in European football.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Sulemana’s departure to Atalanta evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, there is disappointment that a player with such raw talent and electric pace did not quite hit the heights expected at St Mary’s. On his day, Sulemana looked capable of tearing defences apart, but those days were too few. Injuries, inconsistent form and frequent tactical shifts all contributed to a frustrating spell on the South Coast.

That said, the deal itself feels like smart business. £18.3 million, with a strong sell-on clause in place, gives Saints a financial cushion and future benefit if he explodes in Serie A. Given his age and Champions League platform, there is every chance he may eventually move for double that fee. Securing 15 per cent of any future profit is a rare bit of long-term thinking in the transfer market.

Will Still now has a chance to reshape the squad with more balanced options, especially in wide areas. Most supporters will wish Sulemana well, but few would argue that Saints are weaker for his departure. If reinvested wisely, this move could end up being a net positive in both tactical and financial terms. Onward to the next chapter.