​Gianluca Gaetano is set to undergo a medical with Atalanta on Thursday as part of a transfer deal worth €14 million, including add-ons, from Cagliari. The move has been a carefully paced process, and Gaetano’s arrival at Atalanta has been described as a targeted request from the club’s new head coach, Maurizio Sarri. Negotiations have stretched over several months, reflecting the strategic nature of Atalanta’s pursuit of the creative midfielder who could play a pivotal role in their tactical setup.
Cagliari confirmed the status of the agreement through multiple outlets, with reliable sources such as Sportitalia, Sky Sport Italia, and renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano all signaling that the deal is now closed. According to Sky Sport Italia, the total package comprises an initial €12 million with an additional €2 million in potential add-ons, bringing the overall value to €14 million depending on performance-related or milestone-based criteria.
Gaetano is expected to arrive in Bergamo ahead of the medical examinations scheduled for Thursday. After successfully completing the medical tests, he is anticipated to sign a formal contract with Atalanta, cementing his transition from Cagliari and marking a new chapter in his professional career.
The 26-year-old creative midfielder is a product of the Napoli youth academy, known for his technical ability, vision, and playmaking instincts. His career path has included loan spells with Cremonese and Cagliari before making a permanent move to the Sardinian club in June 2025 for a reported €6.2 million. This progression reflects Gaetano’s development and value as a central figure who can contribute creativity, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring threat from midfield.
In the 2024-2025 season with Cagliari, Gaetano featured prominently, making 35 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. He recorded two goals and assisted four others, underscoring his capability to influence matches through assists and offensive contribution. His presence in Atalanta is expected to bolster the team’s creative options in the midfield, offering Sarri a versatile player who can operate in various midfield roles, create chances for teammates, and help unlock compact defenses.
For Atalanta, acquiring Gaetano aligns with the club’s tradition of developing and integrating technical, attack-minded midfielders who can contribute both in build-up play and in the final third. His ability to link play, pick precise passes, and exploit space between the lines could enhance Atalanta’s dynamic attacking approach, particularly in systems that emphasize ball circulation, pressing, and rapid transitions.
As Gaetano proceeds with the medical and final contract formalities, fans and analysts will be watching how his skill set translates to Atalanta’s style of play. If the medicals are successful and the contract is signed, Gaetano will join a squad renowned for its tactical discipline, strategic pressing, and emphasis on creative midfield contributions. This move positions Gaetano to potentially become a key piece in Maurizio Sarri’s plans, offering the club greater depth and variety in the midfield to orchestrate attacks, create scoring opportunities, and contribute to overall team balance.
In summary, Gianluca Gaetano’s transfer to Atalanta for €14 million, including add-ons, represents a strategic addition to the squad following a lengthy negotiation process driven by Sarri’s specific interest in the player. The medical, anticipated in Bergamo, will determine the next step in finalizing a deal that could enhance Atalanta’s creative capabilities and provide Gaetano with a platform to showcase his technical and attacking qualities within Italian football’s competitive landscape.