Atalanta is currently facing challenges with their defensive line-up due to injuries, with defenders Kossounou, Djimsiti, Toloi, and Scalvini all sidelined. These absences highlight a vulnerability in a squad that, while competitive and ambitious, struggles to maintain a full roster. According to various factors, these physical setbacks can occur at any time, affecting players either during international breaks or during crucial parts of the season.
Amongst the Atalanta fans, there’s a growing curiosity: why hasn’t Atalanta explored the free agent market to bolster their defence? The transfer market, similar to politics, never truly stops, yet it seems redundant for Atalanta until January.
In terms of numbers, Atalanta doesn’t require any additions unless there are departures. This has been a natural process for the team, particularly in their defence, as shown when Godfrey replaced Palomino and Kossounou came in for Bonfanti.
However, injuries are not the only concern, as some players, despite their leadership, appear to be past their prime. Rafael Toloi, in particular, is feeling the effects of time. If injuries continue to rise and certain players fall short of expectations, Atalanta will need to make decisions on whether to focus on young players from their academy or wait until the January transfer window.
The Under-23 team exists precisely for scenarios of this nature: to expand the squad during crucial times, fostering the growth of their talents while preserving the Atalanta tradition. The idea of exploring the free agent market—though names like Sergio Ramos are suggested—offers no real guarantees. Such players mirror those currently benched through injury; they’re often unprepared, older, and more prone to further injuries.
Certainly, Atalanta will reassess their options in January, but for now, they need reliability rather than fragile giants. These considerations go beyond the names on the jerseys.