Ghana international midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has completed a season-long loan move to US Sassuolo Calcio from Atalanta Bergamo on transfer deadline day.

The 23-year-old midfielder joins the newly promoted Italian side as he looks to secure regular playing time and continue his development in Serie A. The deal includes an option that could make the move permanent at the end of the loan spell.

Sassuolo officially confirmed the signing in a statement, announcing that the club had “acquired the sporting services” of Sulemana from Atalanta on loan.

The Italian club also confirmed that the agreement includes “an option to join until June 30, 2027,” giving Sassuolo the opportunity to retain the Ghanaian midfielder beyond the current season should he impress during his time at the club.

Sulemana’s move to Sassuolo represents another chapter in an Italian career that has already seen him feature for several Serie A clubs.

From Sunyani to Serie A

The midfielder began his football journey in Sunyani, Ghana, before travelling to Italy for trials in 2019.

It was during those trials that he caught the attention of Atalanta, who signed him for their Under-17 side. After two seasons with the Nerazzurri, he moved to Hellas Verona’s youth setup, where he continued his progression towards senior football.

At Verona, Sulemana made significant strides. He recorded 18 appearances, one goal and three assists in the Under-19 championship, performances that earned him his first Serie A call-ups during the 2022/23 campaign.

He made his senior debut for Verona against Salernitana on October 9, 2022, and later featured for the club in the decisive relegation play-off against Spezia at the Mapei Stadium. Verona won the encounter to preserve their Serie A status, with Sulemana playing the full 90 minutes.

His performances subsequently attracted the attention of Cagliari, who signed him in the summer of 2023 following their promotion to Serie A. He scored twice in 24 appearances for the Sardinian club, including his first goal in January.

Sulemana then returned to Atalanta, where he made nine appearances and scored twice. One of those goals proved particularly important, as it came in a decisive Champions League qualification victory for the Bergamo-based club.

The midfielder’s recent career has involved further loan spells as he continues to establish himself at the highest level of Italian football. In September 2025, he joined Bologna on loan before moving to Cagliari in January.

His second spell at Cagliari proved productive, with Sulemana making 16 appearances and scoring once during the second half of the season. His contribution helped the club secure what Sassuolo described as a comfortable survival campaign.

The move to Sassuolo now gives the Ghanaian another opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in Serie A. With the club returning to Italy’s top flight, Sulemana could play an important role as Sassuolo seek to establish themselves among the country’s elite once again.

Sassuolo’s decision to include an option to retain him until June 2027 also provides a potential pathway for Sulemana to settle at the club beyond the 2026/27 season.

The midfielder’s journey from Sunyani to Italian football has been built largely through the country’s youth and senior systems. His latest move further strengthens his presence in Serie A and gives him another platform to develop his career.

International Career

At international level, Sulemana received his first Ghana call-up in 2024 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

He made his Black Stars debut on June 6 against Mali and has since added six more appearances for the national team.

With his latest transfer completed before the deadline, Sulemana will now turn his attention to Sassuolo and the challenge of helping the newly promoted side compete in Serie A, while also fighting for a more established place in the Ghana national team.