Maldini’s Cagliari Loan: How Much Will Maldini Cost Cagliari and When Does Buy Option Become Mandatory?

FolioPitch.com – 12 October 2026 | Daniel Maldini has been a revelation for Cagliari in the early stages of the 2026-27 Serie A season, and his prolific goalscoring form has raised the question: how much will Maldini cost Cagliari and when does buy option become mandatory? The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, son of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, joined the Sardinian club on loan from Atalanta in the summer transfer window, with an option to buy that could become an obligation under certain conditions. As his goals continue to flow, the details of the deal are coming into sharper focus.

Maldini has netted four goals in six matches at the start of the campaign, all of which have come in his last four outings. In doing so, he became the first Italian player to score in four consecutive Serie A matches in over seven years, since Moise Kean achieved the feat for Juventus in March and April of 2019. That remarkable run has not only propelled Cagliari up the table but also accelerated the timeline on his permanent transfer. The question of how much will Maldini cost Cagliari and when does buy option become mandatory is now a hot topic among fans and pundits alike.

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, Cagliari paid a loan fee in the region of €1m to secure Maldini’s services from Atalanta. The agreement includes an option to make the move permanent for an additional €8m. However, that option will automatically convert into an obligation to buy once Maldini hits a certain number of goals for the club this season, believed to be ‘less than 10’. With four goals already to his name, the threshold is looming large, and it may not be long before the deal becomes permanent.

The financial implications for Cagliari are significant. If Maldini continues his scoring streak, the club will be forced to pay the €8m fee, bringing the total outlay to around €9m including the loan fee. For a player of his talent and potential, that could prove to be a bargain in today’s market. Yet, the obligatory nature of the clause means Cagliari must plan their finances accordingly. The question of how much will Maldini cost Cagliari and when does buy option become mandatory is not just about the fee but also about the timing, as the club may need to adjust their budget mid-season.

Maldini’s journey to this point has been one of promise and patience. After coming through the ranks at AC Milan, he struggled to cement a first-team spot, leading to a move to Atalanta in 2024. However, limited playing time in Bergamo prompted another loan switch, this time to Cagliari, where he has finally found his stride. His four-goal burst includes strikes against top opposition, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments. The Sardinian faithful have quickly taken to him, and his performances have drawn praise from across the league.

From Atalanta’s perspective, the deal represents a smart piece of business. They acquired Maldini on a free transfer after his Milan contract expired, and now stand to make a profit of around €8m should the obligation be triggered. The Bergamaschi also included a sell-on clause, reportedly around 10%, ensuring they benefit from any future sale. For Cagliari, the priority is to keep Maldini fit and firing, as his goals could be the difference between a mid-table finish and a push for European qualification.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Maldini’s goal tally. The magic number is believed to be less than 10, meaning he needs just a few more strikes to make the transfer permanent. With his current form, that could happen within the next month. Once the obligation is triggered, Cagliari will have no choice but to pay the €8m fee, and Maldini will sign a long-term contract with the club. The question of how much will Maldini cost Cagliari and when does buy option become mandatory will then be answered definitively, but for now, the speculation continues.

In conclusion, Daniel Maldini’s loan spell at Cagliari has been a resounding success, and his goalscoring exploits have brought the details of his transfer into sharp focus. The club paid €1m for the loan and will owe an additional €8m if the obligation to buy is triggered, which will happen once he reaches a set number of goals, reportedly fewer than 10. With four goals already, that moment is approaching fast. How much will Maldini cost Cagliari and when does buy option become mandatory? The answer is clear: around €9m in total, and likely sooner rather than later if he maintains his current pace. Cagliari fans will be hoping he continues to find the net, even as the club braces for the financial commitment that comes with it.