Alexei Miranchuk’s move from Atalanta to Torino has become one of the defining sagas of Serie A this summer. It isn’t the Lukaku–Inter reunion, nor Roma’s bold recruitment of Paulo Dybala, yet the story remains compelling in its own right.
The Russian midfielder established himself as a clean creator of chances and a reliable finisher during two seasons with Bergamo’s side. Moreover, he rarely spent more than half of his time on the pitch in any given match across those seasons.
Even last summer, it seemed Miranchuk might depart, but Gasperini chose to keep him. As a result, his playing time rose modestly—from about 27 minutes per game to around 40—but in the opening stretch of the season he often started on the bench.
Outside of this recent period, Atalanta could be ready to move on from Miranchuk if a compelling offer arrived, signaling that the club would not hold a player at all costs.
Still, the potential sale could instead deliver a seasoned, adaptable talent to mid‑tier Serie A clubs, ready to contribute in a league known for tactical nuance and intensity.
The clearest interest came from Torino, a club that finished 17th last season and were perilously close to relegation to Serie B, separated from safety by just four points. Torino nearly reached a season-long loan with an option to buy Miranchuk, but the medical examination was postponed at the last minute due to concerns. Atalanta’s chief executive officer Luca Percassi commented that discussions with Torino were ongoing and that Gasperini preferred to keep the player if possible, expressing that the operation was currently suspended.
“We are negotiating with Torino. However, during a long conversation the coach asked us to keep Miranchuk. The operation is currently suspended. Gasperini asked us to keep the player,” Percassi stated in a press interview.
“Gamers are his slaves”
In response, critics argued that Gasperini’s stance bordered on detrimental to Miranchuk’s career. Olga Smorodskaya, former head of Lokomotiv, told Sport Express that Gasperini’s decisions amounted to a betrayal of the player, suggesting that he was being sidelined. Lokomotiv’s former star Andrey Kanchelskis added to the critique, saying that Atalanta appeared hesitant to strengthen rivals like Torino and that Miranchuk’s future would hinge on whether a move could be arranged. The broader sentiment: Miranchuk deserved to play—ideally, elsewhere—where his contract would be honored and his talent fully utilized.
Observers noted that a change of environment could unlock Miranchuk’s potential, allowing him to showcase his footballing instincts in a new setting. Yet the central issue remained the player’s right to pursue opportunities within a framework that respects his career trajectory.
Agreement still possible
Nevertheless, Percassi did not close the door on Miranchuk’s future with Atalanta, and Torino’s sporting director Davide Vagnati remained optimistic about a deal: “Yes, we are signing Miranchuk. A lease or a full transfer? This is a lease with an option to buy,” Vagnati told Championship in a recent interview.
At present, the transfer hinges on several conditions. A pending agreement between Atalanta and Torino would need to align with Bergamo’s plans to acquire Ademola Lukman, who spent last season on loan at Leicester. Once Lukman’s deal is finalized, the remaining steps include a comprehensive medical and final paperwork to formalize the transition. Percassi also indicated that Miranchuk could potentially join Lukman at Atalanta if the right deals materialize, though the negotiations clearly signal Turin’s desire for a full or near‑full acquisition rather than a simple loan extension. The reported asking price for Miranchuk was €9 million.
Ideal option for Miranchuk
Torino’s finances are buoyed after selling their standout defender Gleison Bremer to Juventus for €40 million in the summer window. Inside the Torino camp, tensions ran high amid the transfer market activity. Reports emerged of a clash between head coach Ivan Juric and sporting director Davide Vagnati in the team’s Austrian hotel complex, a scene that quickly circulated on social media.
The club also saw departures among other key names. Andrea Belotti, a long‑time symbol of the squad, left, alongside Josip Brekalo and midfield mainstay Rolando Mandragora. Incoming moves included goalkeeper Etrit Berisha on loan, midfielder Stefano Ricci, striker Pietro Pellegri, and forward Nemanja Radonjić, who arrived from Marseille. Torino did add young Brian Bayeye from Catanzaro as part of its broader rebuild in Serie A. In this atmosphere, Miranchuk’s presence could prove pivotal, offering consistency and experience as Torino aims to rebound and secure midtable safety or better.
With Atalanta, Miranchuk appeared in 44 Serie A matches across two seasons, contributing six goals and seven assists, a record that underlines his offensive value and ability to influence games from the wide and central roles alike.