After his strong performances at the U-21 European Championship, Matteo Ruggeri will only return to Atalanta Bergamo for a short time. It has now been officially announced that the winger will play for Atlético Madrid starting next season.
With his high ball to goal scorer Luca Koleosho, Matteo Ruggeri played a decisive role in Italy’s lead against Germany in the quarterfinals of the U-21 European Championship. The Atalanta Bergamo player, who played in all of the tournament’s matches at the European Championship in Slovakia, impressed and was one of Italy’s best players on the night despite the 2-3 defeat after extra time.
The 22-year-old impressed with his performances at the tournament and is now moving abroad for the first time. As Atletico Madrid announced on Tuesday, Ruggeri has signed a contract until 2030 in the Spanish capital. According to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, the transfer fee is reported to be €17 million plus bonus payments.
In addition to the transfer of the left-back, the Madrid club is rebuilding its defense during the transfer window. After signing previously loaned players Juan Musso (goalkeeper) and Clement Lenglet (defense), they are also interested in Tottenham’s Christian Romero.
Atalanta youth player
Ruggeri, who came through the Atalanta youth system, made his professional debut for La Dea in November 2020. After a loan spell in the 2021/22 season, he impressed enough to earn a return to his youth club, then in Serie A, from US Salernitana. The defender, who hails from the province of Bergamo, has made a total of 99 appearances in Serie A to date.
He made 37 competitive appearances for the Italian third-placed side last season, proving his versatility in defense. He played for La Dea as a left-back, a classic left wing-back, and even as a center-back when needed.