Atlético Madrid have successfully completed the signing of Italian forward Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli in a deal worth €22 million plus €4 million in performance-related add-ons. The versatile 25-year-old becomes Diego Simeone’s seventh summer acquisition as Los Rojiblancos continue their ambitious squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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Atlético Madrid Secure Major Coup with Giacomo Raspadori Acquisition
The Spanish giants have moved decisively to strengthen their attacking options, with Napoli accepting Atlético Madrid’s latest proposal for €22m plus €4m in fairly easy to achieve add-ons. This signing represents a significant statement of intent from Diego Simeone as he builds a squad capable of challenging for domestic and European honors.
Transfer Details and Structure
Atlético and Napoli have agreed on a €22 million transfer with €4m in add-ons, bringing the total potential value to €26 million. The deal structure includes €3m if Atletico Madrid qualify for the Champions League, and a further €1m in easy to achieve bonuses.
| Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Base Transfer Fee | €22 million |
| Performance Add-ons | €4 million |
| Total Potential Value | €26 million |
| Contract Length | 5 years |
| Previous Club | SSC Napoli |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Position | Forward/Attacking Midfielder |
| Nationality | Italy |
Raspadori is set to sign a five-year contract with Atleti, securing his services until 2030. The Italian international had already agreed terms with Atletico, and given the green light for a move during negotiations between the clubs.
Diego Simeone’s Strategic Vision
The Argentine tactician has orchestrated an impressive summer rebuild, with Raspadori becoming Atlético’s seventh summer signing. This acquisition follows the arrivals of Clement Lenglet, Juan Musso, Matteo Ruggeri, Álex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill and David Hancko.
Simeone’s tactical evolution in recent seasons has seen Atlético Madrid adopt a more fluid attacking approach while maintaining their defensive solidity. The shift towards a 4-4-2 formation has allowed Atlético to be more versatile and fluid in attack, perfectly suiting Raspadori’s skill set.
Raspadori’s Profile and Playing Style
Versatility and Technical Attributes
Raspadori is a quick, diminutive, and agile forward, with a low centre of gravity, who is capable of playing as a second striker, as an out-and-out striker or centre-forward, as an attacking midfielder, and even as a winger in a 4–2–3–1 formation. This versatility makes him an ideal fit for Simeone’s tactical system.
The 25-year-old is strong in direct free-kicks, through balls, long shots, key passes, holding on to the ball, and passing, demonstrating the technical qualities that attracted Atlético’s attention.
| Player Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 172cm |
| Strong Foot | Both feet |
| Key Strengths | Through balls, Long shots, Key passes |
| Playing Style | Versatile forward/attacking midfielder |
| International Caps | Regular Italy international |
| Previous Clubs | Sassuolo, Napoli |
Napoli Career Statistics
Raspadori helped Napoli win two Serie A titles, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists in 109 competitive games for the club. Despite limited starting opportunities, he scored six goals and provided one assist in 26 Serie A matches in 2024/25.
His playing style has drawn comparisons with Antonio Di Natale and Carlos Tevez, although he has cited Sergio Agüero as one of his major inspirations.
Tactical Integration at Atlético Madrid
Simeone’s 4-4-2 System Evolution
Diego Simeone has changed his sides formation to a 4-4-2. This change still allows for a compact mid-low block, and Atletico can also sacrifice a midfielder/attacker without losing too much depth. The formation enables Simeone to field an extra midfielder/attacker, meaning Atletico Madrid are more threatening and potent in-possession.
Raspadori presents himself as an ideal addition to the 4-4-2 “Simeone-style”, ready to play both as a second striker and as an attacking winger. He will compete for positions with Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth for the two striker positions.
Squad Role and Competition
Raspadori will arrive at Atleti as the replacement for Angel Correa, who left earlier in the summer to join Mexican side Tigres. José Rodríguez, a Serie A broadcaster for DAZN, called Raspadori “very reliable” and a “great worker” who would fit in well at Atleti, occupying the squad place Ángel Correa has vacated.
The Italian international is keen to join Diego Simeone’s squad to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, providing additional motivation for the move.
Financial Impact and Strategic Context
Napoli’s Transfer Business
For Napoli, this represents sound financial management. Napoli had paid €28m to purchase Raspadori outright from Sassuolo in 2023, after an initial €5m one-season loan experience. While the club makes a loss on their investment, selling the former Sassuolo star will help Napoli generate funds for their transfer targets such as Yunus Musah, Fabio Miretti and Jack Grealish.
The departure became inevitable following the arrival of Lorenzo Lucca at Napoli, which pushed Raspadori further to the fringe.
Atlético’s Investment Strategy
Atletico Madrid unexpectedly spent around €185m on talent in the summer window, securing key signings for Diego Simeone following a disappointing 23/24 campaign where the club finished 4th in La Liga.
This substantial investment reflects the club’s ambition to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid across all competitions. Given the spending done throughout the summer transfer window, there will be pressure on Atleti to properly challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid across all fronts during the 2025-26 season.
International Pedigree and Experience
Italy National Team Career
Raspadori brings significant international experience to Atlético Madrid. He won the European Championship with Italy following a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory over England at Wembley Stadium in the final during Euro 2020.
The forward has been a regular in Italy’s squad and scored his first goal for the Italy senior national team in an eventual 5–0 home win over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier. His international experience will prove valuable in Atlético’s European campaigns.
Market Context and Competition
Transfer Window Dynamics
Atlético’s interest in Raspadori first emerged during negotiations to sign Matteo Ruggeri in June; Ruggeri and Raspadori share the same agency. This connection facilitated negotiations and helped after pursuits of Millot and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman stalled.
Raspadori becomes the second Italy international to join Atletico Madrid this summer after Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta, demonstrating the club’s strategic focus on Serie A talent.
Future Prospects and Integration Timeline
Immediate Integration Plans
Like the rest of Atleti’s signings, Raspadori is poised to be introduced at the club’s “Welcome Night” in the Metropolitano on Aug. 21. This ceremonial introduction will mark the beginning of his Atlético Madrid journey.
The versatile forward’s technical abilities and work ethic align perfectly with Simeone’s demands. Four of Raspadori’s six goals last season either stood as game-winners or gave the Partenopei the lead, highlighting his knack for decisive contributions.
Long-term Strategic Impact
This signing represents more than just squad depth for Atlético Madrid. Raspadori’s versatility provides Simeone with tactical flexibility, allowing the Argentine to adapt his system based on opposition and match situations. The Italian’s ability to operate in multiple attacking positions will prove invaluable across a long season.
The transfer also signals Atlético’s commitment to competing at the highest level, with the club’s substantial summer investment aimed at closing the gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid while maintaining their competitive edge in European competition.
FAQs
How much did Atlético Madrid pay for Giacomo Raspadori?
Atlético Madrid agreed to a deal worth €22 million plus €4 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total potential value to €26 million.
What contract length did Raspadori sign with Atlético Madrid?
Raspadori signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid, securing his services until 2030.
Which player is Raspadori replacing at Atlético Madrid?
Raspadori is replacing Ángel Correa, who left earlier in the summer to join Mexican side Tigres.
What positions can Raspadori play for Atlético Madrid?
Raspadori can operate as a second striker, center-forward, attacking midfielder, or winger, providing tactical versatility for Diego Simeone.
How many summer signings have Atlético Madrid made in 2025?
Raspadori becomes Atlético Madrid’s seventh summer signing, following a major squad overhaul under Diego Simeone.
