Ivan Juric is pushing for the signing of Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana as one of his first moves since taking charge at Atalanta, seeking to reunite with the player he once coached at Southampton.
Juric, who recently departed Torino to take the reins at the Bergamo club, has wasted little time identifying potential reinforcements.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Sulemana is high on his wishlist despite the Ghanaian’s underwhelming stint in England.
The 22-year-old, who joined Southampton in 2023, has struggled for consistency and impact, scoring only four goals in 74 appearances across all competitions.
Despite the numbers, Juric remains confident in Sulemana’s untapped potential.
The Croatian coach, known for his tactical rigour and ability to develop young talent, sees the Ghanaian’s pace, agility and one-on-one ability as assets that could thrive in Serie A under the right system.
Discussions have already begun behind the scenes, with Atalanta exploring a possible loan or cut-price deal given Sulemana’s diminished market value following Southampton’s struggles.
Juric’s interest is rooted not only in familiarity but also in a clear tactical vision.
Atalanta are expected to reshuffle their attacking options this summer, and Sulemana could fit the mould of a versatile wide forward capable of operating on either flank.
The coach is said to believe that, with structured support and less pressure than in the Premier League, Sulemana can reignite the explosive form that once made him one of Europe’s most-watched prospects.
Meanwhile, Southampton are open to offers for several first-team players as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
With Sulemana yet to establish himself as a guaranteed starter, the club may view a sale or loan as a mutually beneficial outcome.
While no official bid has been lodged, the early signs indicate that Juric is serious about bringing Sulemana to Italy.
Atalanta’s management are now weighing the financial implications of such a move, as they assess their summer transfer priorities across multiple positions.
For Sulemana, the opportunity to reunite with a manager who trusts his abilities could mark a turning point in his career.
And for Juric, securing a familiar face in the dressing room might help lay the foundations for a strong start to his Atalanta tenure.
