Cagliari secure Maldini and Carlos to new deals, demand €18m for Esposito
Quick summary
Cagliari have secured contract extensions for Daniel Maldini and Carlos, while setting an €18m asking price for striker Esposito amid transfer interest.
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Attributed to original sourceCagliari are all set to bring in Daniel Maldini from Atalanta on loan with option to buy for a total €9m, plus Kevin Carlos from OGC Nice, while Sebastiano Esposito should head to Bergamo.
The Sardinians are in a state of flux this week, with several moves on the verge of going through.
Daniel Maldini of Atalanta BC in action during the Coppa Italia, Quarter Final match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Gewiss Stadium on February 04, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Maldini is practically a done deal at this point, with multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia confirming they will pay €1m for the loan, plus a further €8m to make it permanent at the end of the season.
That option can become an obligation if certain conditions are met, including the number of goals scored.
Maldini spent the last six months on loan at Lazio.
Maldini and Carlos in, Esposito out at Cagliari BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Adrian Semper of Pisa SC makes a save from Daniel Maldini of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Meanwhile, in a separate transfer that is not connected to this one, Atalanta are in turn eager to bring in Cagliari striker Sebastiano Esposito.
This too would be a loan with option to buy, with the asking price set at €18m.
It has to be high, because Cagliari owe his previous club Inter a 40 per cent cut of any profit over the €4m purchase.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 03: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Atalanta are not the only side interested in Esposito, as Napoli, Como, PSV Eindhoven and Hull city have also been mentioned.
The striker was involved in a row with Cagliari last week when the club claimed he had left pre-season training without permission, his agent hitting back and insisting they were trying to orchestrate a sale.
Meanwhile, the Sardinians have seemingly already found Esposito’s replacement, as they are very close to a loan deal for OGC Nice striker Carlos.
He was only signed a year ago from FC Basel for €6m, but has also been linked with Venezia and Preston North End.
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What happened
Cagliari are moving on multiple fronts in the transfer market. The Serie A club has finalized new contract extensions for Daniel Maldini and Carlos, securing key squad members for the future. Meanwhile, they have set a firm €18m valuation for Esposito, who has attracted interest from other clubs. The stance indicates Cagliari are looking to balance squad retention with a potential profitable sale to fund further activity.
Chance analysis
Locking down Maldini and Carlos provides Cagliari with continuity and signals the club's intent to build rather than sell. Setting a firm €18m price for Esposito rather than entertaining lowball offers shows financial discipline. For prediction systems, the key signal is which players are confirmed staying versus available for transfer, as this directly shapes Cagliari's expected lineup and depth.
Cagliari strengthen squad stability with Maldini and Carlos extensions, while a potential €18m Esposito sale would free funds but weaken attacking depth.
Maldini and Carlos are confirmed staying; Esposito's status depends on whether a buyer meets the €18m valuation.