There are only two things that Atalanta fans fear, one is losing to Brescia (we all know that is not likely to happen) the other is the transfer window opening. And once again the new year brings with it that dreaded time, a manic month where everyone at the Bergamo club, from the playing staff to the ball boys, gets touted around as a possible transfer target for Serie A’s big boys.
There is no doubt about it any transfer window brings bad news for a team that has become known as a selling club that produces top quality young players, however the January transfer window has been kind to La Dea in recent years with Simone Padoin’s move to Juventus last season being the biggest winter departure from Bergamo in the last four years.
Juventus have been up to their old tricks again, this time prising Atalanta’s first choice left back Federico Peluso away from the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Both clubs had already settled on a price for the player and the 28-year old Azzurri international had agreed personal terms with Juve before the window reopened, a deal was confirmed on Thursday after the Atalanta defender completed a medical in Turin on Wednesday.
Peluso will first join The Old Lady on loan until the summer then the Bianconeri are expected to trigger an estimated €5 million future transfer fee. Peluso has left the Orobici on good terms with him and the fans sharing a mutual respect for each other, this was clear in an interview with Tuttosport.
“I thank Atalanta for everything they have given me in these seasons, I’m happy because Juventus represents an important opportunity for my career which I want to take advantage of.”
He later added, “However, at the same time, there is sadness in leaving a club and an environment in which I was very happy.”
Another La Dea player that has been linked with a move away from the club is Ezequiel Schelotto with a loan move to Internazionale looking the most likely although a cash plus swap deal with Genoa involving Bosko Jankovic has also been reported, however it is thought that neither player would be interested in a move.
The defensive pairing of Thomas Manfredini and Stefano Lucchini have also been attracting some attention within the Ligurian region with the Grifone interested in Manfredini and city rivals Sampdoria linked to re-signing their former player Lucchini. With both players the wrong side of 30 they will not have a great deal of financial value and seeing as they hold key roles within the current Atalanta team a move for either player is highly unlikely.
Matteo Scozzarella is expected to be loaned out for the remainder of the season with Serie B sides Modena and Ternana being favourites for the deal. The midfielder has been on the extreme fringes of the first team all season and a loan move will be ideal way to test what kind of level he is at. However, at 24-years of age its almost make or break time for him if he hopes to make it in Serie A.
As for new arrivals, the familiar face of once fan’s favourite Padoin has been heavily linked with a homecoming all season and seeing as Atalanta and his current club Juventus have completed five deals between each other in the last calendar year you would imagine negotiations for a deal would not be to difficult.
Evanildo Borges Barbosa Junior or simply Juninho, as he has printed on his shirt, has been closely watched throughout the course of the Brazilian Serie A season by Atalanta scouts. The 22-year old Brazilian left back has been lined up to replace Peluso ever since the close of the summer transfer window and now that his current club Palmeiras have been relegated out of Brazil’s top flight it could be an ideal time for the young attacking defender to make the move to Europe.
Surprisingly there has been very few other names linked with a move to Bergamo although many La Dea tifosi will be hoping to see a vice for German Denis turning up at the club if funds are available, considering Facundo Parra has failed to impress during his loan spell and Guido Marilungo has been ruled out through long term injury yet again.
One thing is for sure this January will not pass by without its fair share of excitement and fear for anyone involved with Atalanta
Follow Clark on Twitter: @Clarkiebaby and be sure to check out ladealive as well.
