The low down on the Italian club who want Joel Piroe
Sunday, 9th Jul 2023 08:46 by Keith Haynes

Atalanta BC have been quietly simmering away on the sidelines whilst Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Leicester City and Everton have been accredited with interest in Swansea forward Joel Piroe. The Italian side finished fifth in Serie A last season.

The Bergamo based club have played twelve consecutive seasons in the top flight and their top goalscorer was Ademola Lookman, however he weighed in with just thirteen goals and that needs adding to if ‘La Dea’ are to be considered a credible side to break into the top two next season. Some will recall Atalanta being a part of a huge European cup shock back in 1987 when Merthyr beat them 2-1. ( Below )

Even though Merthyr lost the second leg, they went out of the cup narrowly. Notably ex Swansea player Bob Latchford was then at the Martyrs but was injured for the two games, what price Merthyr winning both ties had he been involved ?

Atalanta BC
The club have an average turn over of around €150,000,000 a season, however that figure disappears when compared to the big boys in Serie A. Their home ground, Gewiss Stadium holds around twenty two thousand and its that lack of capacity which impacts on the Italian sides financial ability in really big games. However, make no mistake they do have the finances to be considered competitive for Joel Piroe’s signature. Their champions league credentials are sound as well - and this is where Atalanta have made their profits in recent times. If Piroe fancied a move to Italy he would be in a side that is competitive enough this season to again chase a champions league place. And he would be rewarded with Europa League football next season. None of the English clubs vying for his services can offer that.

Atalanta have no problems either in offering big money to their top players. Their weekly salary is around a thirty million euros on average but numerous players are on a lot more. Merih Demiral as an example is rumoured to be on seventy thousand euros a week. Piroe would potentially get more bang for his buck in Italy compared to the Championship and Premier League. On the face of it of course, the premier league is where players really want to be, and that could be the clincher for Piroe. He is well advised by his father who takes care of all of his business away from the pitch.

With the four previously named English clubs in competition it seems for Piroe, Atalanta do have a fight on their hands, but they have been there before. The location is attractive, the lifestyle far outweighs the UK and he would be joining one of the top sides in Italy. It’s not behind reason he would choose Atalanta, but it’s a huge career choice for him to make.

Whatever the outcome it’s looking more than likely Piroe will be on his way this summer for pastures new, and it’s clear his hard work at Swansea City has indeed paid off.