Yuri Semin, once the head coach of Lokomotiv and the national team of Russia, faced a challenging moment when asked whether Alexei Miranchuk should be given another shot at Atalanta. The veteran coach declined to make definitive predictions, emphasizing the uncertainty of opportunities in a highly competitive club environment. If there is one thing Semin conveyed with quiet optimism, it is that Miranchuk showed promise in recent appearances and earned respect for his performance even amid limited playing time.
Who can honestly say Miranchuk will be given a chance to feature for Atalanta? Semin admitted he could not forecast trial groups or selection certainty. Still, he expressed hope that Miranchuk would receive a fair opportunity to prove himself. The midfielder had his moments in Turin and managed to demonstrate a level of reliability that suggested potential. At Atalanta, the initial reception was less than welcoming, to put it mildly, and Miranchuk appeared in relatively few matches. The impression of his time there could be summed up as cautious, yet not without merit. Looking back, Semin believes Miranchuk left an impression during his stay, showing capable form consistent with his talents.
In September 2020 Miranchuk transferred from Lokomotiv Moscow to the Italian side Atalanta. His contract with Atalanta was set to run until the summer of 2024, marking a defined window for proving his value in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The move to Atalanta did not immediately secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup, and in the summer of 2022 Miranchuk was loaned to Torino to gain more regular playing time. He spent a season in Turin, tallying four goals in 29 appearances, and Torino expressed interest in keeping him there. Reports at the time indicated that negotiations for a permanent transfer were halted by the player’s representatives, while the broader plan remained for him to begin the season back with Atalanta in hopes of earning a more prominent role.
There was also commentary on the broader trajectory of fellow players as the window for big moves remained fluid. A former CSKA Moscow player suggested that Zakharyan might not achieve the hoped-for breakthrough at Real Sociedad, illustrating how transfer realities can shape career paths in ways that extend beyond pure talent alone. Such assessments underscore the high-stakes nature of professional football where a single season can redefine a player’s future and a club’s long-term strategy. The landscape for Miranchuk, his form, and his fit within Atalanta continued to be watched by fans and analysts who understand the delicate balance between opportunity, timing, and development in top-tier European football. (Source: media reports and club communications)