Crystal Palace bring in Italy-Nigeria centre-back Honest Ahanor from Atalanta

Honest Ahanor, the 18-year-old Italy-Nigeria defender, has joined Crystal Palace from Atalanta on loan in a move to the Premier League club.

The centre-back completed the switch on 1 September 2026, with his agreement at Palace running until 30 June 2027. The transfer does not include a fee, with Ahanor returning to Atalanta at the end of the loan period.

Ahanor moves to England after spending the previous season with Atalanta, who signed him from Genoa for €16m on 4 July 2025. His arrival at Palace represents the next stage of a career that began in Genoa’s youth system.

Born in Aversa, Italy, Ahanor is eligible to represent both Italy and Nigeria. He stands at 1.84m and is a left-footed centre-back, giving him a specific profile within Palace’s defensive group.

Before joining Atalanta, Ahanor progressed through Genoa’s academy. He played for Genoa Under-17 and Under-20 sides before moving into the senior club structure, and was part of the Genoa Under-18 team that won the Italian Youth Championship in the 2023-24 season.

His move to Atalanta came with a recorded market value of €5m at the time. That figure has since risen to €30m, placing Ahanor among the more valuable young defenders in the current transfer records.

The defender has not made an appearance in Serie A or UEFA Conference League qualifying during the 2026-27 season before his move to Palace. His recorded figures in both competitions stand at zero appearances, goals, assists and minutes.

Palace have secured Ahanor’s services for the campaign, adding a young defender who has already experienced a major transfer from Genoa to Atalanta and a loan move into English football. The agreement also establishes a clear return date, with Ahanor scheduled to leave Crystal Palace and rejoin Atalanta on 30 June 2027.

Ahanor’s completed loan move from Atalanta to Crystal Palace was registered on 1 September 2026.