Black Stars midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has joined Italian Serie A side Sassuolo on loan from Atalanta, securing another opportunity to continue his development and gain valuable first-team experience in Italy.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder completed the move on September 1, 2026, and will remain at Sassuolo until June 30, 2027. The clubs have not disclosed details of any loan fee involved in the transfer.
Sulemana’s latest move keeps him in Serie A, a league where he has already built considerable experience despite his relatively young age. The Sunyani-born midfielder spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Cagliari after beginning the campaign with Bologna.
His spell at Bologna came during the first half of last season before he returned to Atalanta in January. He subsequently joined Cagliari for the remainder of the campaign, making Sassuolo his third loan destination since Atalanta completed his permanent signing from Cagliari in July 2024.
Atalanta paid €7.4 million to secure Sulemana’s services after he had impressed during his time at Cagliari.
His journey in Italian football had earlier taken him through Hellas Verona, where he developed after progressing from the club’s youth system.
Now, Sassuolo represents another important chapter in the Ghana international’s career. The move is expected to provide Sulemana with an opportunity to establish himself in a competitive Serie A environment and compete for regular playing time.
The defensive midfielder has yet to feature for Atalanta in Serie A or the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds during the opening fixtures of the 2026-27 campaign. His move to Sassuolo therefore offers him a fresh start and the chance to work his way into a team where his defensive qualities and ability to operate in midfield could prove valuable.
Sulemana has a current estimated market value of €6 million, with his highest recorded valuation standing at €7 million. His continued presence in Serie A highlights the regard in which his abilities are held, while another full season of regular football could be crucial to his development.
For Ghana, Sulemana’s move is also significant as he remains part of the country’s growing pool of midfield options. At 23, he still has plenty of room to develop, and consistent performances at Sassuolo could strengthen his position with the Black Stars.
With the loan deal running until June 2027, Sulemana now has a full season ahead of him to make his mark at Sassuolo and demonstrate why Atalanta invested heavily in him two years ago.
His latest Italian adventure begins with a clear objective: secure regular first-team football, continue his development and return to Atalanta as a more established player.
