Official: Sassuolo sign Esposito from Cagliari for up to €12m plus bonuses
Quick summary
Sassuolo have completed the signing of Esposito from Cagliari, with the total package potentially reaching €12 million including add-ons.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSebastiano Esposito has officially joined Sassuolo on loan with option to buy for a total €12m plus add-ons, while Cagliari receive Riccardo Ciervo as part of the deal.
The centre-forward had not played at all for the Sardinians this summer, as he was involved in a bitter contract dispute following the activation of the obligation to buy from Inter at €4m.
He abandoned the pre-season training camp, although insisted that it was in accordance with the club directors , then presented a series of medical certificates to cover his on-going absence.
Esposito to Sassuolo, Ciervo for Cagliari 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) Sassuolo have now signed Esposito on loan for circa €1m with an option to buy at the end of the season for a further €11m.
Cagliari should also retain a 15 per cent cut of the future sale, considering they need to give Inter 40 per cent of the profit from this transfer.
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) As part of the agreement, Cagliari have also taken Riccardo Ciervo on loan from Sassuolo with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The wide attacker had been a product of the Roma youth academy and moved to Sassuolo in 2022.
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What happened
Sassuolo have officially confirmed the capture of Esposito from Serie A rivals Cagliari. The total cost of the operation is reported to reach up to €12 million, including performance-related bonuses. The move represents a significant investment by Sassuolo and signals their intent to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. For Cagliari, the sale provides financial flexibility as they reshape their roster.
Chance analysis
Esposito's switch to Sassuolo underlines the club's ambition to re-establish themselves as a serious force in Italian football after returning to the top flight. A fee north of €10 million for a young Italian forward reflects both his potential and the inflated domestic market. Cagliari, meanwhile, continue a summer of squad restructuring, banking on reinvestment rather than a marquee replacement.
Sassuolo's attacking options are significantly strengthened with the addition of Esposito, while Cagliari lose a key forward and may need to reinvest.