Atalanta have previously promised Ademola Lookman a transfer in 2025 to a top-tier club outside Italy.
That commitment now defines the standoff. The club made that verbal pact in 2024 after rejecting a €20 million offer from PSG. It was meant to secure one more season of his contributions.
Lookman has since requested a transfer to Inter Milan. However, Atalanta insists they will not sell him to another Serie A side.
Despite Inter’s latest bid nearing €45 million with add-ons, Atalanta has turned down every offer. They remain fixed on their €50 million valuation.
Lookman, aged 27, has not shown up for training in three days. Sources say he has already left Italy to pressure the club into selling.
ALSO READ:
- Lookman bags brace as Atalanta stun Napoli in massive victory at Diego Maradona stadium
- Lookman scores, assists as Atalanta cruise past Sturm Graz in dominant Champions League win
- Check out some records hat-trick hero Lookman broke in Europa League victory
- Nigerian star Lookman finishes 14th in 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings
His actions include unfollowing Atalanta on social media and clearing out his locker. These moves suggest a clear intent to sever ties.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi reiterated that the original pact excluded Italian clubs. Therefore, selling to Inter would breach that understanding.
Meanwhile, Lookman’s representatives argue the opposite. They claim the offer from Inter matches both Atalanta’s price and the player’s ambitions.
Still, Percassi insists the club must retain authority. He maintains that geography was a clear clause in their 2024 verbal agreement.
Lookman’s form has made him a valuable asset. He led Atalanta to their 2024 Europa League win and won Africa’s top football award.
In the 2024/25 season, he scored 19 goals and assisted 6 more across all competitions. His influence remains undisputed at the club.
The player’s contract runs until June 2027 and includes a €55 million release clause. His market value currently stands at €60 million.
While Inter leads the pursuit, Napoli and Atlético Madrid have shown interest. Yet neither has submitted an official offer as of August 7.
This delay creates uncertainty. Unless a non-Italian club matches Atalanta’s demands, the saga could stretch into the final transfer days.
Lookman’s decision to stop training has divided opinion. Some fans blame Atalanta; others believe the player is acting prematurely.
Atalanta continues to reject domestic bids. The club shows no sign of easing its position, despite pressure from multiple angles.
As the situation escalates, both parties appear unwilling to compromise. Time, however, remains a decisive factor in the outcome.
