Nikola Krstović Joins Atalanta in Major €25m Transfer from Lecce

Atalanta completed the signing of Montenegrin forward Nikola Krstović from Lecce for a fee of €25 million plus add-ons. The arrival of Krstović at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is expected to boost Atalanta’s attacking power ahead of their return to UEFA Champions League next season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Atalanta sealed the move to sign the 25-year-old on August 19, 2025, after reaching an agreement with Lecce and the player’s representatives, with the fixed fee set at €25m with potential add-ons of €5m that could take the overall transfer fee to €30m. After impressing in Serie A last season by scoring 11 goals and assisting five further strikes in 37 appearances, as confirmed by reports, Atalanta turned their focus on signing the 25-year-old after their talks with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz broke down before the start of the new season.

WHY THIS MATTERS

With Atalanta set to start their new spell in the Champions League, head coach Ivan Juric’s side needed a more reliable goal-scoring threat after their star striker Retegui moved to Saudi Arabia. Krstović will look to adopt the role of starting number nine, with his versatility allowing him to play on either flank as well. His signing enables the Serie A club to further rotate their attacking options.

WHAT NEXT FOR ATALANTA?

Atalanta will kick off their new Serie A season at home against newly-promoted Pisa on August 25 as they look to have a strong start in a Serie A campaign with big changes: their head coach left for AS Roma, their star striker to NEOM in Saudi Arabia, and Ademola Lookman is pushing for a move to Inter Milan.