Transfers
MERCATO
OFFICIEL
Prati Heads to Santander on Loan: A Midfielder Seeking a Fresh Start
Matteo Prati has completed a loan move from Cagliari to Racing Santander, arriving at the Spanish club on August 25, 2026, to secure regular first-team football.
Matteo Prati has put pen to paper on a loan deal that takes him from Cagliari to Racing Santander, with the transfer officially confirmed on 2026-08-25. The 22-year-old Italian midfielder crosses borders to join the Spanish outfit in search of crucial minutes and a platform to showcase his technical abilities.
At a glance
- Player: Matteo Prati (Midfielder, 22 years old)
- Move: Loan from Cagliari to Racing Santander
- Date: 2026-08-25
Career context
Prati's career trajectory has been marked by steady development across Italian football. Hailing from Ravenna, he began his professional path with Spal before making a permanent switch to Cagliari in 2023-08-17 for a fee of € 5M. His time in Sardinia has seen him navigate the demands of Serie A, interspersed with a temporary loan spell at Torino in early 2026, from which he returned to Cagliari in June 2026. This latest loan to Racing Santander represents his first venture outside Italian domestic football, signaling a new chapter in his quest for consistent playing time.
How he fits at his new club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
At Racing Santander, Prati is expected to slot into a midfield unit that values technical proficiency and ball retention. His profile as a midfielder with high technique (94) and solid duels (86) attributes suggests he can handle the physical and tactical demands of Spanish second-division football. His creation (22) rating indicates a capacity to link play, while his defence (52) suggests he will contribute defensively but may require tactical support in high-pressing systems. The move to Campos de Sport de El Sardinero offers him a platform to adapt to a different footballing culture, potentially unlocking his creative potential in a system designed to maximize his passing range.
Recent numbers
Prati's recent performance data highlights a player who is gradually integrating into senior football. In the 2025 season, he accumulated 83 appearances across all competitions, starting 63 matches and logging 4,519 minutes. His output included 3 goals and 2 assists, with a pass accuracy of 80% and 27 key passes. Defensively, he recorded 80 tackles and 45 interceptions, while drawing 28 fouls and committing 55. His overall rating stood at 6.74, reflecting a consistent, if not spectacular, presence in the midfield. In Serie A specifically, he made 33 appearances across two seasons, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist, with a combined rating of 6.62.
Key takeaways
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 83 | Across all competitions in 2025 |
| Pass Accuracy | 80% | Reflects his comfort on the ball |
| Interceptions | 45 | Highlights his defensive awareness |
| Key Passes | 27 | Indicates his creative contribution |
| Minutes Played | 4,519 | Demonstrates his durability and involvement |
- Technical Edge: Prati's high technique rating suggests he will thrive in possession-based systems, offering Racing Santander a reliable ball-carrier.
- Development Potential: At 22, he is still developing, and the loan move provides a vital opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter.
- Defensive Work Rate: With 80 tackles and 45 interceptions, he brings a solid defensive foundation to the midfield, capable of disrupting opposition play.
- Creative Flair: His 27 key passes indicate a willingness to take risks and create chances, adding a creative dimension to the team's attack.