Italian Serie A outfit Bologna agreed a deal to acquire the services of young Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana from league rivals Atalanta, on summer transfer deadline day.
The Red and Blues agreed an initial loan deal with La Dea to sign the exciting talent for the entire 2025/26 season, while they also possess the option to make the deal permanent if certain criteria are met next summer.
Sulemana joins the 2025 Coppa Italia champions as part of a major squad overhaul, following the departures of several prominent players in the summer.
The 22-year-old had moved to Atalanta only last summer after an impressive spell with Cagliari, but found playing time hard to come by as he only featured in nine league games in the 2024/25 season. He started just three times and was left on the bench in 26 games, failing to find a breakthrough in a relatively stacked Atalanta squad.
Bologna beat several clubs to secure the loan deal for Ibrahim Sulemana
Now set for a fresh beginning at Bologna, the defensive midfielder will be looking to secure more playing minutes in the 2025/26 season and end strongly, as he looks to make a highly-competitive Ghana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Transfer fee and contract details
Bologna paid an initial €500,000 loan fee for the services of the 22-year-old, with the option of making the deal permanent in 2026 for a total fee of €10 million.
The Red and Blues beat several other suitors to the signature of the midfielder, with the likes of Genoa, Sassuolo, Strasbourg and Watford also showing their interest.
Atalanta are set to make a significant profit on the sale, as they signed the midfielder for around €7.5 million from Cagliari about a year ago.
Bologna recall Ibrahim Sulemana from Ghana camp after knee knock
Salary breakdown
Per Capology, Ibrahim Sulemana will earn an estimated basic salary of €17,885 per week plus an additional €4,423 in bonuses, taking his total weekly earnings to around €22,308.
The defensive midfielder’s total earnings for the season is set to amount to about €1.16 million, a significant upgrade on his previous earnings at Atalanta.
Bologna’s total investments in the 22-year-old could exceed over €12 million next summer, making him a brilliant addition, considering his qualities and age.
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From Bergamo to Bologna
Ibrahim Sulemana joined Atalanta as an exciting prospect last summer, but was limited to only a couple of substitute appearances after failing to break into the starting team.
He suffered an injury while on international duties with Ghana in September, but has returned to training and could make his debut against former side Cagliari on Sunday.
