“Why Not Let Him Leave?”: Fans React As Atalanta Fail to Name Lookman in Squad vs Lecce
- Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman will not feature in Atalanta's match against Lecce on September 14
- The La Dea are yet to win a match in the 2025/26 Serie A, recording draws against newly promoted side Pisa and Parma
- Nigeria fans are unhappy with the manner in which coach Ivan Juric is treating the reigning CAF Player of the Year
Ademola Lookman rejoined Atalanta following the end of the international break with the Super Eagles struggling to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lookman has not featured in any match for the club since the end of the 2024/25 Serie A campaign, where the club finished fourth.
The 27-year-old attempted to force a move to Inter Milan, but was turned down by Le Dea as his contract expires in 2027.
Source: Getty Images
Ademola out vs Lecce
After his failed move, Ademola Lookman was punished and forced to train alone at the Zingonia training ground.
The Super Eagles forward was not named in their opening Serie A fixtures against Pisa, but his name was submitted for the UEFA Champions League.
Atalanta struggled in their first two matches, drawing in the absence of Ademola Loomkan. After the international break, the 27-year-old was reintegrated into the squad and trained with the team on Friday morning.
Meanwhile, coach Ivan Juric has dropped Lookman from the squad to face Lecce by 2pm on Sunday, September 14, according to Football Italia. Juric said:
"On a human level, I want a different membership. With Lookan, I have a good relationship but I don't have to beg him, per soccernet.
Source: Getty Images
Fans react
Nigerians have reacted to coach Ivan Juric's move to exclude Ademola Lookman from today's match against Lecce. Read them below:
@_stormside said:
"He’s not been in his best form, then you try to force your way out of the club even threatening to go son strike. Now he’s been fined and he won’t be playing for the club frequently. This is a blow to him and his chances in the World Cup even if Nigeria do calls him, he won’t be on his top form anymore and won’t be feared by many anymore."
@capksharma wrote:
"Ademola Lookman’s exclusion from Atalanta’s squad against Lecce, confirmed by coach Ivan Jurić, stems from his transfer request to Inter Milan, rejected despite a hefty bid. After his stunning Europa League hat-trick and African Footballer win last year, this standoff shows Atalanta’s firm stance."
@IMisha000 added:
"Leaving Lookman out is unexpected, he’s been a key spark for Atalanta. 🇳🇬
"Jurić must have his reasons, but fans will surely question this decision. 🤔
"Could be rest, form, or something tactical behind the call."
Atalanta coach speaks on Lookman
Legit.ng earlier reported that Atalanta coach Ivan Juric said it is unfortunate that one of the best players, Ademola Lookman, has to pass through such an encounter during the transfer window.
Juric explained that the current transfer standoff between Atalanta and Lookman is sad, and the situation has deteriorated to this point.
Source: Legit.ng
