Ademola Lookman is now expected to remain at Atalanta, despite widespread belief that his time in Bergamo was drawing to a close.
The Nigerian forward, who joined La Dea in 2022, had seemingly reached a breaking point with the club following a reported deterioration in his relationship with then-manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
However, with Gasperini now departed and a new era under manager Ivan Juric underway, Lookman’s future has taken an unexpected turn.
According to Calciomercato, Atalanta have placed a €60 million valuation on the 27-year-old, a figure that has cooled interest from clubs including Napoli.
The price tag is said to have deterred Antonio Conte’s side from advancing talks, effectively removing one of the strongest contenders from the race for Lookman’s signature.
The development now positions Lookman to remain in Bergamo, a scenario that just weeks ago seemed unlikely.
His return under the new management of Juric could mark a fresh start after tensions surfaced last season under Gasperini’s leadership.
Since arriving from RB Leipzig, Lookman has been a transformative figure for Atalanta.
He has made 118 appearances for the club, scoring 52 goals and providing a consistent attacking threat.
His most iconic moment came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he produced a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen to deliver the club its first major European title.
That performance not only cemented his status in Atalanta’s history but also elevated his profile on the international stage.
Lookman, the current holder of the African Ballon d’Or, has become one of Nigeria’s most influential exports in European football.
The decision to remain in Italy may also offer Lookman stability at a key point in his career.
Under the guidance of Juric, who is known for his tactically disciplined systems and ability to revitalise attacking players, the winger could play a central role in Atalanta’s plans for the new season, both domestically and in Europe.
As pre-season approaches, all signs now point toward a renewed chapter between Lookman and Atalanta — one that few had predicted but could benefit both player and club alike.
