TMW - Atalanta fend off Chelsea, Milan and Roma to land Ahanor - teenager already in Bergamo
Honest Ahanor is set to become Atalanta’s latest recruit after arriving in Bergamo for his medical at the Gewiss Stadium’s Habilita clinic earlier today. The left-sided winger, still on Genoa’s books for the moment, has seen the two clubs reach a full agreement, with the paperwork and official unveiling expected in the next few hours.
The numbers behind the deal
Atalanta gazumped Chelsea, AC Milan and, most notably, AS Roma, who tried to muscle in with a last-gasp bid. The Giallorossi tabled an offer worth €15 million plus €5 million in add-ons, but La Dea sealed the transfer for €16 million up front with a further €4 million in bonuses. Crucially, the 17-year-old chose Bergamo as the best place to continue his development.
It is a sizeable investment for a player who has yet to turn 18. Genoa’s sporting director, Marco Ottolini, underlined Ahanor’s potential only a few days ago: “He’s different from the rest,not just for his age but for his personality. Several clubs are interested, but Genoa’s youngsters command high valuations.”
Atalanta view Ahanor as a signing for the present as well as the future, hoping he can kick on under Gian Piero Gasperini and fill the void on the left flank left by Matteo Ruggeri’s move to Atlético Madrid for €18 million plus €2 million in bonuses, a fee not far off what they have now laid out for his teenage successor.
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