Raffaele Palladino Prepares January Overhaul As La Dea Star Faces Lengthy Spell On Sidelines
Atalanta are set for some huge changes after some concerning injury news.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 04 December 2025
Raffaele Palladino is looking to make multiple additions in January as Kamaldeen Sulemana could miss months through injury.
Kamaldeen Sulemana Ruled Out Until 2026 After Coppa Italia Injury
The Ghanaian international limped off after just 21 minutes as La Dea eased past Genoa to book a place against Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter finals.
Sulemana’s withdrawal came two-minutes after Atalanta had taken the lead through Berat Djimsiti and Raffaele Palladino’s side went on to add another three through Marten de Roon, Mario Pasalic and Honest Ahanor.
Although La Dea managed to progress without Sulemana, the 23-year-old will still be a major absence for the Italian side after joining the club for €17million in July.
Initial tests have revealed that the Ghanaian international has suffered a strain in his right adductor, which could keep Sulemana out for multiple months.
Raffaele Palladino has viewed the Ghana star as a back-up option for Ademola Lookman, who will be unavailable during the opening stages of 2026, as the 28-year-old will be representing Nigeria at AFCON.
Lookman has faced some difficulties this season, but Nigerian legend Yakubu has called for the forward to put his Atalanta issues behind him for AFCON.
Losing both Lookman and Sulemana during this period will be a huge concern for Palladino going into the January window and the Atalanta manager is now looking for reinforcements.
Raffaele Palladino Steps Up Pursuit For January Signings
The Atalanta boss has made a strong start to his run in Bergamo, winning three of his four matches so far and keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.
Palladino’s performance should be met with some backing during the January window and the Italian will need some reinforcements after Suelemana’s latest injury.
However, the Serie A side are also facing a battle to keep a hold of Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, as the Atalanta star has been targeted by Europe’s elite sides.
La Dea are preparing a move for AZ Alkmaar youngster, Kees Smit, as Palladino view the Dutchman as an immediate replacement for Ederson.
Palladino is also monitoring Bournemouth star, Justin Kluivert, as the Atalanta manager is prioritizing an attacking addition during the January window.
Andoni Iraola will be keen on keeping a hold of his star man, but the Dutchman’s recent form could see Bournemouth enter negotiations if an appropriate offer is made.
Atalanta are currently 12th in Serie A, 11-points off the top four and Palladino will need to add some firepower to maintain La Dea’s status as a Champions League side.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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