Ghana midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has joined Sassuolo on loan from Atalanta, giving the 23-year-old another opportunity to establish himself in Serie A and gain regular first-team experience.
The defensive midfielder completed the move on 1 September 2026 and will remain with Sassuolo until 30 June 2027. The two clubs have not revealed whether a loan fee is involved.
Sulemana will stay in Italy’s top flight, where he has already gained significant experience during the early stages of his career. Born in Sunyani, the Ghana international spent the second half of the 2025-26 season with Cagliari after starting the campaign at Bologna.
He joined Bologna for the first part of last season before returning to Atalanta in January. He then moved to Cagliari for the remainder of the campaign, making Sassuolo his third loan club since Atalanta signed him permanently from Cagliari in July 2024.
Atalanta paid €7.4m for Sulemana after being impressed by his performances at Cagliari. Before establishing himself there, he had developed at Hellas Verona after progressing through the club’s youth system.
His latest move represents another significant stage in the midfielder’s career. Sassuolo can offer him a fresh opportunity to compete for regular playing time, while his defensive ability and work in central midfield could provide useful qualities for the club during the 2026-27 season.
Sulemana has not appeared for Atalanta in Serie A or in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds during the opening fixtures of the new campaign. The switch to Sassuolo therefore gives him the chance to begin again and build momentum through consistent first-team football.
The move also keeps the midfielder firmly within Ghana’s group of emerging options in midfield. Sulemana, who is 23, remains at an important stage of his development, and a productive spell at Sassuolo could improve his prospects with the Black Stars.
His current estimated market value is €6m, while his highest recorded valuation has been €7m. Continued involvement in Serie A underlines the standing he has built in Italian football, and a full season of regular matches could be important in determining his next step.
Atalanta invested heavily in Sulemana two years ago, and the loan gives him an extended period in which to show why the club made that commitment. With the agreement running until June 2027, he has an entire season to make an impression at Sassuolo before assessing his future.
For Sulemana, the immediate priorities are straightforward: secure regular first-team football, continue developing his game and return to Atalanta as a more established player.
