Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international striker, has returned to training with Atalanta after a period of estrangement from the club following a failed transfer attempt to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. Lookman, who had been training separately from the squad since August, rejoined his teammates on Friday, marking a significant step towards reconciliation with the club and manager Ivan Juric. This development comes as a boost for Atalanta ahead of their upcoming Serie A and Champions League fixtures, as they look to capitalize on Lookman’s proven goal-scoring prowess.
The striker’s return follows a series of events that began with Inter Milan’s substantial €45 million bid for Lookman, a bid that was ultimately rejected by Atalanta. This rejection led to Lookman’s disaffection with the club, manifested in his absence from training and the removal of Atalanta-related content from his social media platforms. Despite the apparent rift, Atalanta have opted against further disciplinary measures, signaling a willingness to move forward and reintegrate Lookman into the team’s dynamics.
Lookman’s absence from Atalanta training coincided with the September international break, during which he represented Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. These appearances marked his first competitive outings of the 2024/25 season, providing him with valuable match practice while his club situation remained unresolved. While his involvement in Atalanta’s immediate upcoming Serie A fixture against Lecce seems unlikely, there is a possibility of him featuring in their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain the following week.
Atalanta’s steadfast refusal to sell Lookman underscores his importance to the team’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe. His 20 goals in all competitions last season cemented his status as a key attacking figure, and the club clearly recognizes his value in their pursuit of success. The current situation mirrors a similar episode in 2024, when Lookman was also sidelined until after the transfer window closed, only to return and play a crucial role in the team’s campaign. This precedent suggests that Atalanta are confident in Lookman’s ability to regain his form and contribute significantly once again.
Looking ahead, Lookman’s future at Atalanta remains a topic of speculation, despite his contract running until June 2027. Reports suggest that Juventus have identified him as their primary target to replace Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires in June 2026. The Bianconeri are reportedly already searching for a successor to the Serbian striker, and Lookman’s proven goal-scoring record and Premier League experience make him an attractive prospect. This long-term interest from Juventus adds another layer of complexity to Lookman’s situation at Atalanta, and it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club beyond the current season.
While Lookman’s return to training is a positive development for Atalanta, the summer’s events and the ongoing rumors surrounding his future cast a shadow over his long-term commitment to the club. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Lookman can fully reintegrate into the team and recapture the form that made him such a valuable asset last season. The dynamics between Lookman, the club, and interested parties like Juventus will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow as the season progresses.
