Atalanta have opened discussions about a possible deal for former Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula, who joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen last summer.
The Serie A club are exploring a late move for the 22-year-old during the final week of the Italian transfer window, according to transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio. The deadline for Serie A transfers is 19:00 BST on 1 September.
Mbangula began his youth career with Club Brugge and Anderlecht before moving to Italy as a teenager in 2020. He subsequently played for Juventus Next Gen and was given his first senior-team opportunities by Thiago Motta during the 2024-25 campaign.
He made an immediate impression on the opening day of that season, when Motta named him in Juventus’ starting line-up against Como. Mbangula scored after 23 minutes, registering Juventus’ first goal in a match they went on to win 3-0.
The winger remained involved with the Juventus first team throughout the season, making 32 appearances in all competitions. He scored four goals and provided five assists before leaving the club for Werder Bremen last summer.
His transfer to the Bundesliga side was worth €10m, with Juventus also able to receive up to a further €2m in bonuses.
Mbangula made 26 appearances for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last season, scoring three goals and contributing four assists. He started 12 of those matches and came on as a substitute in the other 14.
Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is expected to play a role in any negotiations. Giuntoli held the same position at Juventus when Mbangula was promoted to the club’s senior squad.
The potential approach for Mbangula is not thought to affect Atalanta’s pursuit of Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe. Di Marzio reports that Atalanta remain in negotiations for the Englishman and are prepared to offer €40m, including bonuses.
Atalanta’s interest in Mbangula comes as the club assess their options before the transfer window closes. The former Juventus player would offer additional width and attacking depth, while his previous experience in Serie A could help him adapt quickly should a deal be completed.
Mbangula’s breakthrough came under Motta after he had progressed through Juventus’ development system, but his move to Werder Bremen represented a permanent step away from Turin. Atalanta are now considering whether to bring him back to Italy, with discussions reportedly under way ahead of the transfer deadline.
