Ivan Juric eyeing £12.8m Southampton FC transfer | OneFootball

Atalanta are eyeing a move for Kamaldeen Sulemana this summer

Serie A side Atalanta believe that Southampton could be willing to sell Kamaldeen Sulemana for €15 (£12.8) million this summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 23-year-old could be available for a cut-rate price following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

Sulemana was a regular part of the first team squad at St. Mary’s last season, featuring 26 times in the top flight, but his future with the club is now uncertain.

The Ghana international signed for Southampton in the 2023 January transfer window, arriving from Rennes in a deal worth a reported £22 million.

Kamaldeen Sulemana transfer latest

It was reported by Gianluca di Marzio earlier this week that the Italian club are interested in a move for Sulemana.

Atalanta have appointed former Southampton manager Ivan Juric to replace Gianpiero Gasperini as manager, so he could now look to reunite with the forward.

It is now believed that the Saints could cash in on the player for much lower than the fee they originally paid to sign him.

It’s understood that the £12.8 million figure is much more affordable for the Serie A side, which could open the door to a move progressing.

It’s been reported that initial contact has been made, although no official offers have yet been submitted.

It is hoped that the strong relationship between Juric and Sulemana can help grease the wheels on getting a deal over the line.

Kamaldeen Sulemana’s importance to Southampton

Sulemana has made 69 league appearances for Southampton since joining the club from Rennes in 2023.

He has been unable to nail down a consistent role as a starter, but has been a regular presence in the side.

The 23-year-old registered one goal and one assist last season, with the Saints struggling to 20th in the Premier League table.

Will Still has since been appointed as manager, with the club aiming to fight for promotion straight back to the top flight this year.

Sulemana signing hasn’t worked for Southampton

Southampton spent big to bring in Sulemana in order to fight against relegation during the 2022/23 campaign, but they ultimately finished 20th in the table.

In his time at the club, he just hasn’t worked out well enough to justify the money spent to sign him.

On that basis, cashing in on him now would be the smart thing to do, and a reunion with Juric might be the best move for all parties.

Atalanta have enjoyed a strong few years, and will have European football next season, so this could be an enticing opportunity for Sulemana, and a good chance to earn some money from his sale for Southampton, even if it’s well below what they paid for him.