Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles forward, has publicly expressed his discontent with Serie A club Atalanta, accusing them of reneging on promises regarding his potential summer transfer. Lookman, instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, released a statement detailing his frustration stemming from “broken promises” and what he perceives as unfair treatment. The Nigerian international emphasized his commitment and loyalty to the club throughout his three-year tenure, highlighting his contributions both on and off the field. He specifically referenced the Europa League final, where his hat-trick secured a historic victory for Atalanta, a moment he cherishes as one of his career’s proudest.
Despite his dedication, Lookman claims that behind-the-scenes issues have marred his relationship with the club. He asserts that a mutual agreement existed between himself and Atalanta’s ownership, stipulating his potential departure this summer should a suitable offer materialize. Lookman alleges that despite receiving an offer that aligns with their prior discussions, Atalanta has blocked the transfer, leaving him perplexed and feeling betrayed. He expressed his disappointment, stating that he felt compelled to speak publicly after exhausting all private avenues for resolution, emphasizing his desire for transparency and fairness.
The simmering tensions between Lookman and Atalanta escalated over the weekend, culminating in the player unfollowing the club on Instagram and removing all related posts. This online purge, including deleting pictures of himself in the Atalanta jersey and removing the club’s name from his bio, coincided with Atalanta’s rejection of an improved €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons bid from Inter Milan. Reports suggest that Atalanta is holding out for their full €50 million valuation, further complicating the situation. Lookman’s actions underscore the breakdown in the player-club relationship, with reports indicating that personal terms have already been agreed upon between Lookman and Inter.
Atalanta’s insistence on the full asking price is reportedly influenced by a resale clause embedded in Lookman’s 2022 transfer agreement from RB Leipzig. This clause entitles Leipzig to a percentage of any profit generated from Lookman’s subsequent transfer, adding another layer of financial complexity to the negotiations. With Inter Milan reportedly considering alternative targets, including Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, the situation has drawn the attention of Premier League clubs, who are now assessing the financial implications of acquiring Lookman.
Lookman’s absence from Atalanta’s pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig further fueled speculation about his imminent departure. The public dispute has cast a shadow over his future at the club, but amidst the controversy, Lookman expressed gratitude to the Atalanta fans and his hope for an amicable resolution. He apologized to the fans for the public nature of the disagreement, emphasizing his desire for their understanding in this “incredibly difficult situation.” He reiterated that his stance is rooted in his belief in fairness and justice, expressing his hope for a swift and mutually agreeable solution.
Despite the ongoing transfer saga, Lookman’s significant contributions to Atalanta remain undeniable. Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €10.8m, he has scored 52 goals in 118 appearances, playing a pivotal role in the club’s recent successes, including their historic Europa League triumph. His current predicament underscores the complexities of modern football transfers, where contractual obligations, financial considerations, and player ambitions often intertwine, creating challenging scenarios for all parties involved. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as negotiations continue and alternative options are explored by both the player and the club.
