Official: Atalanta confirm Elmas signing from RB Leipzig
Quick summary
Atalanta have officially confirmed the signing of Eljif Elmas from RB Leipzig in a deal described as surprising by Football Italia.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta have surprisingly confirmed Eljif Elmas’ return to Serie A as the ex-Napoli man joins La Dea on loan with an option to buy from RB Leipzig.
North Macedonia international Elmas returns to Serie A, joining Atalanta on an initial loan deal.
Official: Elmas joins Atalanta
It was a surprising deal for La Dea, as no source had previously reported on Atalanta’s talks to sign the ex-Napoli man.
Elmas reunites with Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli, with whom he had already worked at Napoli, but will play under Maurizio Sarri for the first time in his career.
Atalanta confirmed with a statement on Saturday that Elmas would join the club on loan with an option to buy, although the transfer fee remains undisclosed.
Elmas has 19 goals and 13 assists in 189 Serie A appearances with Napoli and Torino.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nnamdi Collins of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) He spent six years at Napoli, first from 2019 to 2024 and then in the 2025-26 campaign , when he returned to the Stadio Maradona on loan.
During his time with the Partenopei, Elmas won one Coppa Italia, one Scudetto and one Supercoppa Italiana.
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What happened
Atalanta have announced the capture of Eljif Elmas from RB Leipzig. The move, confirmed officially by the Bergamo club, brings the North Macedonian midfielder to Serie A after his time in the Bundesliga. The transfer is described as surprising, suggesting Atalanta have pulled off an unexpected piece of business. Elmas adds midfield depth and creative quality to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the new campaign.
Chance analysis
Atalanta continue to operate as one of Serie A's most aggressive recruiters, plucking a Bundesliga midfielder who was part of RB Leipzig's squad. Elmas brings versatility across the midfield line and Champions League-level experience, which fits Atalanta's profile of developing and integrating proven European talent into Gasperini's system. For Leipzig, losing a rotational option further thins their squad depth, while Atalanta gain a player capable of operating in multiple midfield roles.
Atalanta add a versatile, experienced midfielder to their squad, boosting midfield depth, while RB Leipzig lose a squad option.