Atalanta and Everton vie for Parma’s rising Belgian midfielder

Parma’s 24‑year‑old midfielder Mandela Keita has drawn interest from Serie A side Atalanta Bergamo and Premier League club Everton, with both clubs monitoring his progress after a standout season in Italy. The Belgian, valued at €20 million on Transfermarkt, is seen as a potential replacement for Ederson at Atalanta.

Keita featured in 36 of 38 Serie A matches for Parma, logging more than 3,100 minutes and adding a goal and an assist from his defensive midfield role. Across all competitions he has amassed 70 appearances in the past twenty‑four months, underscoring his regularity and impact.

Despite his form, national team coach Rudi Garcia omitted Keita from the Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup, a decision some observers label a minor regret given the midfielder’s recent performances.

Speaking on Junior Vertongen’s YouTube channel, Keita said, "These rumours are pleasant, but this interest is only due to my performances and those of the team. Moreover, these are just rumours." He emphasized that the speculation reflects his on‑field contributions.

He added, "I am happy at Parma. I can still progress and reach a higher level. But it is true that I would like to play again in the Champions League. I would like to evolve in a team of one of the five big leagues that evolves in the Champions League, no matter which." The comments highlight his ambition to return to Europe’s elite competition.

Everton has entered the race for Keita, while Atalanta’s interest is described as important by Tvdellosport and Calciomercato, with the Italian club also tracking Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari, who has struggled for playing time at AC Milan after a peroneal fracture.

Transfermarkt lists Keita’s market value at €20 million, the highest of his career, reinforcing his status as a sought‑after talent in the Italian market.

According to the same Italian sources, Atalanta may soon place an offer on the table for the Parma midfielder, signalling a concrete step toward securing his services before the summer window closes.