Ademola Lookman has reportedly cleared his possessions out of Atalanta’s training ground as he bids to force a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
Lookman has been an integral part of Atalanta since he joined the team in 2022, consistently reaching double digits in league goals over each of his three seasons there.
The Nigerian star is most acclaimed for his pivotal performance in the 2024 Europa League final, where his hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen secured the club’s first-ever trophy win.
In a recent statement, Lookman revealed that he has submitted a transfer request, citing ‘poor treatment’ from the club and accusing them of ‘months of unfulfilled promises.’
‘There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in thepast and I have previously always stayed loyal,’ Lookman said.
‘Nonetheless, the club owners and I have mutually agreed that the current moment is appropriate, and they assured me that if a suitable offer arises, they would permit me to move on.
Ademola Lookman reportedly cleared his belongings and failed to attend training with Atalanta
Lookman was central to the club’s 2024 Europa League win but is now pushing to leave
Lookman released a statement confirming his transfer request and accused the club of ‘broken promises’
‘Due to ongoing unkept commitments and what I perceive as unfair treatment both as an athlete and on a personal level, I regrettably feel compelled to voice my concerns. I now officially confirm that I have requested a transfer.’
As reported by Sky Sport, Lookman was absent from training for the second day in a row on Tuesday, even though he was supposed to attend an individual recovery session for his injury.
Lookman’s attempts to force a move come after Atalanta rejected a £39million offer from Inter Milan.
Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi confirmed that Lookman will be allowed to leave this summer, but stressed he would not be able to join a Serie A rival.
‘It’s a good opportunity to clarify what happened,’ Percassi said at a press conference.
Last year, after a 20 million offer from PSG, the player had asked us to be sold.
‘Atalanta, being a credible club, had promised to sell the player this window based on two conditions that he himself had asked of us: First, to go to a super, top European club, and that he would never be seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta’s, given what he did for the club and what he received from the club.
Lookman has been the subject of a £39mllion offer from Inter Milan this summer
Atalanta have confirmed Lookman can leave but do not want to sell to a Serie A rival
‘Today, as you know, the situation is very different. The club is always careful when evaluating the value and timing of its players, but as always, it is Atalanta, the club, that decides.’
Reports in Italy suggested Lookman and Atalanta could take legal action over the dispute.
Lookman, who is contracted until 2027, could reportedly be fined by the club if he fails to attend training for the third consecutive day.
In total, Lookman has scored 52 goals in 118 appearances for Atalanta, including netting 20 times in 40 matches last season.
Atalanta finished third last season, behind champions Napoli and Inter Milan, to secure Champions League qualification.
