Atalanta Take Decision on Lookman’s Future After His Return From Super Eagles Camp
- Reigning CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta after the international break
- Lookman played for the Super Eagles in their two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa
- The 27-year-old initiated moves to leave the Bergamo club, but the owners failed to sanction the deal
All seems to be well with Italian giants Atalanta and Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman.
The Nigerian international is expected to return to Atalanta's training ground on Friday, September 12.
The former Everton player fell out with former manager Gian Piero Gasparini after labelling him "one of the worst penalty takers" for missing a spot kick against Club Brugge in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League.
Source: Getty Images
What happened during the transfer summer?
Nigeria international submitted a transfer request to leave Atalanta after the end of the 2023/24 season, but was blocked.
Inter Milan tried to secure the services of the winger, tabling two bids in the process. The Nerazzurri's opening offer was a package worth €40 million, which Atalanta swiftly rejected.
The three-time UEFA Champions League winner returned with an improved proposal of €45 million, including add-ons, but was turned down, holding on for a €45 million valuation.
Clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Fenerbahce tried approaching the forward, but the offers from the Italian side were discouraging.
The winger was punished and forced to train alone at the Zingonia training ground. The Nigerian forward was left out of Atalanta’s 23-man squad for their opening Serie A fixture against newly-promoted Pisa.
Source: Getty Images
Lookman set to train
Ademola Lookman will train under new manager Ivan Juric for the first time in the 2025/26 Serie A season after returning from the international break..
According to Yahoo Sports, the former Leipzig star will not be punished by the board following his forced transfer move.
La Dea wants Lookman to play against Lecce on Sunday, September, after their unimpressive campaign this season, securing draws in their matches, and are currently in 11th position.
The 2023 UEFA Europa League winners are also preparing to face French giants Paris Saint-Germain in their opening match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, September 17, per Sky Sports.
Despite the saga, he was included in the UCL squad, especially after his standout 2023/24 season, where he scored 20 goals, provided seven assists, and was crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
Atalanta fans divided over Lookman
Ademola Lookman was the target of criticism by some sections of the supporters, unveiling demeaning banners.
According to This Day, the outrage reached a point where they boldly declared that they would rather see the club relegated than watch Lookman play for the team.
Lookman unfollows Atalanta
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ademola Lookman has taken a dramatic step in his ongoing transfer saga, unfollowing Atalanta and removing all posts featuring the club from his Instagram account.
The 27-year-old has even replaced his profile picture, once showing him in an Atalanta shirt, with a solid black avatar, a clear sign of his frustration as the transfer deadlock drags on.
Source: Legit.ng
