OFFICIAL: Sergej Levak Complete Free Transfer to Atalanta from Roma

Atalanta have won the race to sign Croatian midfielder Sergej Levak on a free transfer from Roma. The 19-year-old has agreed terms with the Bergamo club after his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expired at the end of June, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the move.

The young midfielder is set to undergo his medical examination next week before officially becoming an Atalanta player. After weeks of speculation about his future, Levak has chosen Orobici over other interested clubs, including Inter Milan who were also chasing his signature.

The Croatian youngster became available as a free agent when Roma decided not to renew his contract, making him an attractive target for several top Italian clubs looking to strengthen their youth ranks.

Inter Milan Miss Out

Atalanta have beaten Inter Milan to Levak’s signature in what turned into a proper transfer battle between the two clubs. Both sides were keen on adding the talented midfielder to their Primavera squads, but Atalanta’s offer proved more appealing to the player and his representatives.

Inter had been tracking Levak for months and made their interest known early, but Atalanta moved decisively to secure the deal. The competition between these two clubs shows just how highly rated the youngster is within Italian football circles.

The fact that two Champions League clubs were fighting over a 19-year-old speaks volumes about Levak’s potential and the impression he made during his time in Roma’s youth system.

Player Profile and Potential

Standing at 195cm tall, Levak is an imposing central midfielder who brings both physicality and technical ability to the middle of the park. Born in Osijek, Croatia, on May 3, 2006, he represents the modern breed of midfielder who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.

His preferred right foot has served him well throughout his development, and at just 19, he already possesses the kind of frame that suggests he could develop into a dominant presence in Serie A. His current market value sits around €700,000, but that figure could rise quickly if he continues his development.

Levak wore the number 10 shirt during his time with Roma’s youth teams, underlining the creative responsibilities he was given despite his young age. This experience of being a key player will serve him well as he looks to establish himself at Atalanta.

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Why Roma Let Him Go

Roma’s decision not to offer Levak a new contract might surprise some, given the interest from other top clubs. However, the capital club have been restructuring their youth setup and making tough decisions about which players fit their long-term vision.

Sometimes young players need a change of environment to reach their full potential, and Levak’s case might be exactly that. What didn’t work at Roma could click perfectly at Atalanta, where the coaching philosophy and development pathway might suit his style better.

The move also makes financial sense for all parties. Roma avoid paying wages for a player who wasn’t in their immediate first-team plans, while Atalanta get a promising talent without paying a transfer fee.

Perfect Fit for Atalanta’s System

Atalanta have built their reputation on developing young players and turning them into stars. Their track record with players like Nicolo Barella, who came through their youth system before moving to Inter, shows they know how to nurture talent.

The club’s high-intensity playing style could suit Levak perfectly. His physical attributes and work rate align with what Gian Piero Gasperini typically looks for in his midfielders, even at youth level.

Atalanta’s pathway from youth teams to first-team football is clearer than at many big clubs. If Levak impresses in the Primavera, opportunities in the senior squad could follow relatively quickly.

Development Pathway

The move to Atalanta gives Levak the chance to develop in one of Italy’s most forward-thinking football environments. The club’s training facilities and coaching methods are among the best in Serie A, providing the perfect setting for a young player to hone his skills.

At 19, Levak is at the perfect age to benefit from Atalanta’s development system. He’s old enough to handle the physical demands of senior football if called upon, but young enough to continue learning and improving his game.

The Primavera league in Italy is highly competitive, and regular football at that level will help Levak continue his development while adapting to Italian tactical concepts that could serve him well throughout his career.

Smart Business by Atalanta

Picking up a player of Levak’s potential on a free transfer represents exactly the kind of smart business that has made Atalanta so successful in recent years. They’ve identified talent early and moved quickly to secure it without breaking their budget.

This approach has served them well in the past, turning relatively unknown players into valuable assets. If Levak develops as expected, his value could increase many times over in the coming seasons.

The fact that Inter were also interested validates Atalanta’s scouting judgment. When multiple top clubs want the same player, it usually means that player has something special about them.

International Prospects

As a Croatian youth international, Levak will be hoping this move helps him progress through the national team ranks. Playing in Serie A, even at youth level initially, provides better exposure than many other European leagues.

Croatia has a strong tradition of producing excellent midfielders, and Levak will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of players like Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. The experience at Atalanta could be crucial in his international development.

Getting regular football and continuing his development in Italy’s top division could put him in contention for senior international recognition sooner than might otherwise be the case.

What Happens Next

With the medical scheduled for next week, Levak should be officially unveiled as an Atalanta player before the month is out. He’ll then link up with the Primavera squad for pre-season training and start the process of adapting to his new environment.

The transition from Roma to Atalanta shouldn’t be too difficult from a tactical perspective, as both clubs play attractive, attacking football. However, Atalanta’s intensity levels are famously high, so fitness will be key to his early success.

If everything goes well, fans might even see him involved with the first team during pre-season friendlies. Atalanta often give their promising youngsters chances to train and play with the senior squad, especially during the summer months.

This move could be the making of Levak’s career. He’s chosen development over security, and if he can handle the step up, the sky’s the limit for this talented young Croatian.