The former Manchester United winger and Russian international Andrey Kanchelskis spoke with evident emotion about the latest development surrounding Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the stalled transfer of Alexei Miranchuk to Turin. It was reported yesterday that Gasperini personally requested blocking the move to Torino, and as a result the transfer agreement has been put on hold.
Speaking to a major sports outlet, Kanchelskis urged patience and a straightforward approach. He pointed out that Miranchuk deserves a fair chance to compete and to train with his teammates, arguing that the club’s hesitation appears rooted in fear rather than sport. He emphasized that Miranchuk should be allowed to play to demonstrate his quality, arguing that a player’s nationality should not determine how he is treated on the pitch. The football veteran insisted that Atalanta hold the contract and must handle the situation with clarity and respect for the player. His comments were reported with attribution to Championship, noting the context of the blocked move.
Alexei Miranchuk joined Atalanta from Lokomotiv Moscow in September 2020. His contract with the Italian club runs until the summer of 2024, and his progression has been watched closely by fans in North America and beyond, where interest in cross-border transfers remains high.
In the current campaign, Miranchuk has made 19 appearances in Serie A for Atalanta, contributing two goals and four assists. The team finished in eighth place, a position that did not secure European competition this season, leaving fans to ponder what comes next for Miranchuk and the club.
Recent appearances have been limited; Miranchuk has played in only one of Atalanta’s last four league fixtures, fueling speculation about his role under Gasperini and how the stalemate in the transfer talks might affect his playing time and development.
There has been a response from figures connected with the club as well. Olga Smorodskaya, a name previously associated with Russian football discussions, characterized Atalanta’s choice to block the transfer as a source of anger. Her assessment adds another layer to the debate surrounding transfers, national identity, and the expectations placed on players who move abroad. This episode illustrates how managers, players, and fans weigh the immediate needs of a season against long-term career opportunities, a balancing act that resonates with supporters across North America as well as Europe.