Atalanta, a Serie A club based in Bergamo, Italy, is currently facing a transfer crisis as they struggle to keep hold of one of their star players. The club has been receiving a lot of interest from top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, which has led to speculation about the future of Atalanta's winger.
The player in question is 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Poyet, who has made over 100 appearances for the club since his arrival in 2017. Despite his impressive performances on the pitch, Poyet has found himself at the center of rumors regarding his future at the club.
According to reports, Poyet's agent is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of €50 million, which would be a significant increase from his current contract worth €6 million per year. This has led to concerns among fans and the club's management that Poyet may seek to leave the club before the end of his contract in June 2024.
Poyet's situation is not unique to Atalanta. Many Serie A clubs have faced similar issues in recent years, with players seeking higher salaries and better opportunities elsewhere. However, the situation at Atalanta is particularly challenging given the club's financial difficulties.
Atalanta has struggled financially in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the club's debt levels have risen significantly. This has put pressure on the club's management to find ways to reduce costs and increase revenue, including selling key players like Poyet.
Despite these challenges, Atalanta remains committed to keeping Poyet at the club. The club's CEO, Giovanni Storari, has stated that Poyet is "very important" to the team and that he will not be sold without the consent of the player. The club is also reportedly working on a new long-term contract for Poyet, which could help to mitigate any potential transfer fees.
In conclusion, the situation at Atalanta highlights the challenges that many Serie A clubs face when trying to retain key players. While there are certainly risks associated with selling a player like Poyet, the club's commitment to keeping him at the club suggests that they believe in his abilities and value his contributions to the team. Only time will tell whether Poyet stays or goes, but it seems likely that the club will do everything possible to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.