Kamaldeen Sulemana is settling into life in Italy with a refreshing sense of purpose and perspective.
The Ghanaian winger, who joined Atalanta from Southampton during the summer transfer window, has already drawn comparisons between Serie A and the Premier League, highlighting the sharp contrasts between the two top European leagues.
“Serie A is a high-level league, very tactical, which forces you to stay focused from start to finish. The Premier League mainly trained me physically: it’s an intense championship,” Sulemana told La Gazzetta dello Sport in a recent interview.
Those words come as the 22-year-old begins to find his feet in Bergamo, having scored two goals in just six Serie A appearances, a bright start that hints at a resurgence for the former Southampton man.
His reflections carry the weight of experience, shaped by a tough spell on the south coast of England.
Kamaldeen joined Southampton in January 2023 from Stade Rennes for a then club-record fee, brought in with hopes of helping the Saints avoid relegation.
Despite flashes of promise, he couldn’t turn the tide as the club suffered back-to-back relegations, first from the Premier League and then from the Championship.
During his time at St Mary’s, he made 74 appearances, netted four goals, and registered seven assists.
But in Italy, there’s a different rhythm, one that seems to suit Sulemana’s skill set and footballing intelligence.
Atalanta, renowned for their tactical discipline and player development under Gian Piero Gasperini, is offering the Ghanaian a stage to evolve beyond the raw pace and directness that defined his early career.
Now in Bergamo, he’s not just adjusting to a new league; he’s embracing a more cerebral version of the game, one that demands constant awareness and strategic movement.
With two goals already under his belt, Kamaldeen’s adaptation to the tactical rigour of Serie A is well underway, and so is his redemption arc.