Atalanta BC, the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League champions, have submitted an improved offer for Ghanaian international winger Kamaldeen Sulemana after Southampton rejected their initial bid, Footy-Africa has exclusively learned.
Atalanta had submitted an initial offer of €13 million to the Saints, which was subsequently turned down. However, the Italian Serie A side are now preparing a second bid worth €17 million plus add-ons. This, however, still falls short of Southampton’s valuation of €20 million plus additional clauses amounting to between €3 million and €5 million.
Sulemana is open to a move to Bergamo, where he is eager to reunite with former coach Ivan Juric. The pair previously worked together at Southampton. Sulemana and Atalanta have already agreed personal terms, but an agreement between the clubs is still pending, according to a source close to the player.
“It’s now an open secret that Atalanta want the player (Sulemana). They submitted a €13 million bid which was immediately rejected by Southampton late on Thursday. But Juric is keen to push further, and they will return with an improved €17 million offer including add-ons. It’s still tricky because Southampton want €20 million, with potential add-ons up to €5 million. Negotiations between the clubs are set to resume, but the personal terms have already been agreed,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Last season at Southampton, Sulemana scored two goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. The winger, whose Transfermarkt valuation stands at €13 million, previously played for Stade Rennais and Danish side Nordsjaelland earlier in his career.
Internationally, Kamaldeen Sulemana has earned 20 caps for Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, recording one assist.
