Ademola Lookman’s return to Atalanta training grounds signals the end of a tense transfer saga that dominated the late summer headlines. After weeks of speculation and a very public display of discontent, including scrubbing his social media of Atalanta affiliations, Lookman has rejoined his teammates under the watchful eye of manager Ivan Juric. This reunion follows a failed attempt by Inter Milan to secure the Nigerian international’s services, with their €45 million bid rejected by Atalanta, who remained steadfast in their valuation of the player. Lookman’s training exile mirrored a similar situation in 2024, which ultimately saw him return to the fold and become a key contributor to Atalanta’s campaign. His recent involvement in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers suggests he maintained his fitness during this period of uncertainty.
The resolution, albeit temporary, of the Lookman transfer saga provides Atalanta with a much-needed boost as they navigate a demanding season that includes both Serie A and Champions League commitments. Lookman’s 20-goal haul last season underscores his importance to the team’s attacking prowess. He joins a forward line that includes Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere, offering Juric a wealth of options and tactical flexibility. While his immediate involvement in upcoming matches against Lecce and Paris Saint-Germain remains uncertain, Atalanta clearly expects Lookman to play a central role in achieving their ambitions this season. The club’s hierarchy hopes that with the transfer dispute now resolved, Lookman can refocus his energy on the pitch.
Despite the current truce, Lookman’s long-term future at Atalanta remains clouded in uncertainty. While his return to training offers a semblance of stability, Italian media reports suggest that this may only be the calm before another storm. Juventus has reportedly identified Lookman as their primary target to replace Dusan Vlahovic in 2026. The Serbian striker’s contract expires in June of that year, and with an extension looking unlikely, Juventus are proactively planning for his departure. This strategic foresight has placed Lookman firmly on their radar.
Juventus’ interest in Lookman adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Given the recent transfer drama and the looming possibility of a January move or a free transfer in 2027 when his current contract expires, Atalanta faces a challenging decision. Do they hold onto a valuable asset, potentially risking his departure for free, or capitalize on his market value while they still can? Juventus, meanwhile, will continue to monitor Lookman’s performance and situation at Atalanta, weighing their options and assessing the feasibility of securing his services.
Adding further intrigue to the narrative, Juventus’ interest extends beyond Lookman to encompass other promising talents. Gianluca Scamacca, Lookman’s current teammate at Atalanta, is also reportedly on Juventus’ shortlist, indicating a broader strategic interest in the Bergamo-based club’s attacking assets. This list also includes a range of international prospects, highlighting Juventus’ comprehensive approach to talent acquisition and long-term squad planning. The club is casting a wide net, evaluating players like Santiago Castro, Matteo Pellegrino, Gonçalo Ramos, Emanuel Emegha, George Ilenikhena, and Joshua Zirkzee, suggesting a proactive and thorough search for the next generation of attacking stars.
In conclusion, while Ademola Lookman’s return to training provides a temporary reprieve for Atalanta, the underlying tension regarding his future persists. The recent transfer saga, coupled with Juventus’ declared interest, suggests that this chapter is far from closed. Atalanta must carefully navigate the coming months, balancing their immediate needs with the long-term implications of retaining or selling a player of Lookman’s caliber. Juventus, on the other hand, will be keen observers, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce and secure a player they see as a key component of their future attacking line. The coming months promise to be filled with intrigue and speculation as the Lookman saga continues to unfold.
