Croatian national team player Mario Pašalić has signed a new, multi-year contract with the Italian Serie A club Atalanta, extending his loyalty to the Bergamo-based club until the summer of 2028. This news confirms the continuation of the successful cooperation between Pašalić and Atalanta, the club where he became one of the key players and a fan favorite.
Contract details and reasons for staying
The new contract binds Pašalić to Atalanta until 2028, meaning that if he stays until the end of the agreement, he will spend a full ten years in Bergamo.
Negotiations: The negotiations lasted almost a year, during which time Pašalić received numerous offers, including those from Saudi Arabia and major Italian clubs. Nevertheless, he decided to stay in Atalanta due to his strong emotional connection with the club and the city, as well as the arrival of Croatian coach Ivan Jurić, which further influenced his decision.
The new contract elevates him to the status of one of the highest-paid players in the club, with an annual net salary of approximately three million euros.
Pašalić’s career in Atalanta
Pašalić arrived at Atalanta in 2018, first on loan from Chelsea, and in 2020, he was bought for around 15 million euros.
So far, he has played 298 games in the Atalanta jersey, scoring 59 goals and registering 40 assists, making him one of the most effective Croatian footballers in Serie A.
During his seven years in Bergamo, Pašalić was an indispensable member of the midfield, appearing regularly in Serie A and European competitions. His versatility, goal-scoring instinct, and work ethic made him a key player for Atalanta.
Reactions and significance for the club
By rejecting more financially generous offers, Pašalić once again demonstrated his loyalty to Atalanta and its fans, further strengthening his status as a club legend.
The new contract allows Pašalić to continue building his career in the midfield, where he feels at home, while providing Atalanta with continuity and experience in the midfield.
A short biography
Born: February 9, 1995, Split.
Career: Started in Hajduk, moved to Chelsea in 2014, and then played on loan in Elche, Monaco, Milan, and Spartak. He has been a member of Atalanta since 2018.
National team: Made his debut for Croatia in 2014; to date, he has made 76 appearances and scored 11 goals.
With this move, Mario Pašalić confirms his importance to Atalanta and Croatian football, and the fans of the Bergamo club can be assured that they will enjoy his games at the Gewiss Stadium in the coming seasons.
