Bergamo, Italy – Soccer sensation Daniel Maldini, son of the legendary Paolo Maldini, has officially signed with the ambitious Atalanta, leaving struggling Monza behind. The announcement came on Saturday, with Atalanta confirming the transfer in a statement, though they did not disclose specifics regarding the contract details. However, reports from Italian media suggest that Atalanta has acquired the 23-year-old midfielder for a fee of 13 million euros (approximately $13.5 million), with a portion of that amount reportedly benefiting his former club, AC Milan.

Daniel Maldini came through the youth ranks at AC Milan, a club deeply entrenched in his family’s legacy, as both his father Paolo and grandfather Cesare have also donned the Milan colors. Paolo Maldini, an iconic defender, is celebrated not only for his exceptional skills on the field but also for holding the record for the most appearances in Serie A. His storied career at Milan saw him lift a staggering 25 trophies, including five European Cups and seven Serie A titles, solidifying his status as one of soccer’s all-time greats.

As for Daniel, he is known for his abilities as an attacking midfielder and made his senior debut for AC Milan at the young age of 18 back in 2020. In 2022, he became the third-generation Maldini to secure a Serie A title with the club, before embarking on loan adventures with Spezia and Empoli. He eventually joined Monza in January 2024, where he performed impressively, netting three goals in 20 league appearances this season. Additionally, he has recently been called up to represent the Italian national team, making his international debut in a 4-1 victory over Israel.

Atalanta, currently positioning itself at the upper echelon of the Serie A standings, sits third in the league, trailing the top team Napoli by seven points as the weekend approaches. The club is also competing in the UEFA Champions League, with an upcoming knockout playoff match against Club Brugge on the horizon.