Chelsea FC have confirmed the permanent sale of Mario Pasalic to Atalanta in an official statement by the club. The player had been widely expected to secure a transfer to the Italian side ahead of the start of next season.
Pasalic has served two consecutive loan spells at Atalanta and has featured regularly for the Serie A side in their midfield. The Croatian never managed to break into Chelsea FC’s starting lineup despite being at the Premier League side for six years.
The 25-year old Pasalic was loaned out to different clubs on a regular basis. AC Milan, AS Monaco, and La Liga side Elche all served as temporary destinations for the Blues midfielder. However, despite performing well in his loan spells, Pasalic did not make a single appearance for Chelsea FC.
The Croatian international signed for the Blues from his native side Hajduk Split in 2014. The player had been signed by then Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach had tipped Pasalic for a big future at Stamford Bridge. However, despite being a talented midfielder, the player could never foray into any of the Blues managers plans.
Pasalic has performed exceptionally well for Atalanta during his two years at the Serie A side. Last season, he played a crucial role in Atalanta achieving a third-place finish in the Serie A, their best so far in the club’s history.
The 25-year old midfielder has made 75 appearances for the Italian side since joining them two years ago on loan. He has scored 15 goals in the Atalanta shirt and has made his presence felt in the team’s midfield.
It is reported that by exercising their option in the loan agreement to sign Pasalic on a permanent basis, Atalanta will pay a sum of £13.5 million to the Blues.
The amount received from Pasalic’s sale should help Frank Lampard continue his spending spree in the transfer market. The Blues manager still has his eyes set on signing Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell in the coming weeks.
