Italian Serie A side Atalanta BC have completed the signing of Ghanaian international winger Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton, with both clubs reaching an agreement on a transfer deal pending official unveiling.
The two sides agreed on a €17 million fee, which could rise to €21 million with add-ons, following an intense round of negotiations. Southampton had initially rejected Atalanta’s opening bid of €13 million before settling on the final figure.
Following the move, Ghanaian football legend Anthony Yeboah—widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest goal scorers—backed Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric to bring out the best in the 23-year-old winger. The pair previously worked together during Juric’s brief coaching stint at Southampton.
“I think there’s a very good chance that Kamaldeen (Sulemana) excels in Serie A,” said Yeboah. “There were flashes of his brilliance at Southampton, but the Premier League is more physical than Italy nowadays.”
“He’s going to be under a coach who understands him very well—his strengths and weaknesses—and that’s a huge plus,” added the former Leeds United and Eintracht Frankfurt striker. “With the nature of the Italian league and the kind of football played there, Juric will get the best out of Sulemana at Atalanta.”
“The Italian league isn’t as fast as the Premier League, so you can expect him to adapt quickly. With his pace and trickery on the flanks, he could have a similar impact to what Ademola Lookman has had at Atalanta. I’m really eager to see what he can offer—I have a lot of optimism.”
Last season at Southampton, Sulemana registered two goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. The winger, valued at approximately €13 million by Transfermarkt, previously played for French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais and began his European career with Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland.
On the international stage, Sulemana has made 20 appearances for Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, providing one assist.
