Ademola Lookman has publicly criticised Atalanta, accusing the club of reneging on promises regarding his future, as the Nigerian forward formally submitted a transfer request.
The 27-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, expressed his frustration in a candid Instagram statement on Sunday.
The former RB Leipzig striker revealed that he had reached an agreement with Atalanta that this summer would mark his departure, contingent upon a suitable offer being tabled.
Lookman believes that condition has been met but claims the club is now refusing to facilitate his exit.
I believe that’s the case now. For reasons I don’t know, the club isn’t giving me that opportunity. I have no choice but to speak out now. For months, all sorts of promises have been broken. I also feel like I’ve been treated badly, both as a person and as a professional footballer, Lookman wrote.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta three years ago, has seen his stock rise significantly in Italy, particularly after his heroic performance in the 2024 Europa League final.
His stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen not only secured Atalanta’s first major European trophy but also etched his name into the club’s folklore.
I still get goosebumps when I think back to how we celebrated that trophy with the fans. Atalanta, and especially the fans, are truly a part of me. (…) However, I feel that the time has come to embark on a new adventure, he added.
Reports in Italy indicate that Inter Milan are among the clubs closely monitoring Lookman’s situation.
The Nerazzurri are said to have made an initial approach, offering just over €40 million.
However, Atalanta’s valuation remains firm at €50 million, a figure that has thus far stalled negotiations.
Lookman’s statement has intensified scrutiny on Atalanta’s handling of the situation, with the forward implying a breakdown in trust between player and management.
The dispute has cast a shadow over what had been a highly successful period for both parties, with Lookman’s prolific displays in Serie A and Europe earning widespread acclaim.
With the transfer window entering its decisive phase, the standoff is likely to attract further interest from across Europe.
Lookman’s next move now hinges on whether Atalanta will reconsider their stance or risk alienating one of their star performers ahead of the new campaign.
