Softfootball experiences that Atalanta has sealed the signing of Nikola Krstović from Lecce in a deal value as much as €30 million, with the settlement finalised on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The 25-year-old Montenegrin striker will endure his medical throughout the subsequent 48 hours earlier than signing a long-term contract with Gian Piero Gasperini’s facet.
The switch is structured round a €25m fastened payment, with an additional €5m linked to performance-based bonuses. For Lecce, who solely signed Krstović from DAC Dunajská Streda two years in the past, the sale represents one of many largest outgoing offers of their historical past.
Atalanta had initially focused Fulham ahead Rodrigo Muniz, however rapidly moved on after the London membership demanded €50m for the Brazilian. That shift in technique opened the door for Krstović, who netted 11 targets and added 5 assists throughout 37 Serie A appearances final season.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the transfer on his official X account, writing:
“Nikola Krstović to Atalanta, right here we go! Deal signed proper now with brokers and golf equipment. Lecce obtain €25m fastened payment plus add-ons, Krstović indicators long run deal on the membership prepared for UCL soccer.”
For Krstović, the change is a pure subsequent step. He had been vocal about wanting to check himself at a better degree, and Atalanta’s common Champions League qualification made the Bergamo membership a lovely vacation spot. Gasperini’s observe file of creating strikers from Duván Zapata to Rasmus Højlund additionally performed a job in convincing the participant.
From Lecce’s perspective, the sale was each inevitable and strategic. Membership administrators knew they had been sitting on one among their most beneficial belongings and held agency on their €30m valuation, resisting curiosity earlier in the summertime. Lecce’s hierarchy hoped for an public sale to drive up the value, however Atalanta’s swift transfer successfully ended that risk.
Krstović is anticipated to be accessible for Atalanta’s Serie A opener this weekend, giving followers an early glimpse of a striker they hope can spearhead one other push for European soccer.
