Atalanta has unexpectedly announced that Eljif Elmas is returning to Serie A, joining La Dea on loan with a buy option from RB Leipzig.
North Macedonia international Elmas makes his return to Serie A with an initial loan agreement to Atalanta.
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Official: Elmas Joins Atalanta
The agreement took many by surprise, as there had been no prior reports linking Atalanta with a move for the former Napoli player.
Elmas reunites with Atalanta’s director Cristiano Giuntoli, with whom he previously collaborated at Napoli, but he will work under Maurizio Sarri for the first time.
Atalanta announced on Saturday that Elmas would be joining the squad on loan, with the option to purchase, although the transfer fee has not been disclosed.
During his time in Serie A with Napoli and Torino, Elmas accumulated 19 goals and 13 assists across 189 appearances.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nnamdi Collins of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025, in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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Elmas spent six years at Napoli, from 2019 to 2024, and briefly returned during the 2025-26 season.
During his tenure with the Partenopei, he secured one Coppa Italia, one Scudetto, and one Supercoppa Italiana.