Ex-Premier League Star Skips Training, Clears Locker in Transfer Protest Over Club’s Broken Promises
Ademola Lookman Attempts to Force Inter Milan Move Amid Atalanta Dispute
By Michael Pavitt, Sports Reporter | Updated: 18:30 BST, 5 August 2025
Image: Lookman clearing his locker at Atalanta’s training ground
Ademola Lookman reportedly removed his belongings from Atalanta’s training facility as tensions escalate.
Ademola Lookman has taken drastic steps to secure a transfer to Inter Milan, abandoning training and publicly accusing Atalanta of “broken promises.” The Nigerian international, pivotal in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League triumph with a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, now seeks to sever ties after three prolific seasons.
Transfer Request and Public Fallout
In a fiery statement, Lookman confirmed submitting a transfer request, citing “months of poor treatment” and accusing the club of backtracking on promises: “I’ve always stayed loyal, but the club agreed to let me go if a fair offer arrived. Now they’re blocking it for unclear reasons.”
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi rebuffed Inter’s £39 million bid, insisting Lookman would not be sold to a Serie A rival. He revealed a prior agreement to sell the 27-year-old only to a “top European club” outside Italy, referencing Lookman’s own pledge never to join another Serie A team after his historic contributions.
Image: Lookman celebrating 2024 Europa League victory
Lookman’s iconic hat-trick secured Atalanta’s first Europa League title.
Training Absences and Legal Threat
Lookman skipped two consecutive training sessions this week despite being scheduled for injury recovery work. Reports suggest fines loom if he misses a third day. With tensions at a breaking point, both sides are reportedly considering legal action over the stalemate.
Inter Milan’s Interest and Atalanta’s Stance
Inter Milan, seeking attacking reinforcements, tested Atalanta’s resolve with their offer, but Percassi remains adamant: “The club decides the timing and value of transfers.” Lookman’s camp, however, argues the bid meets previously discussed terms.
Image: Lookman in action for Atalanta
Inter’s £39m bid reflects Lookman’s value after 52 goals in 118 appearances for Atalanta.
Career Crossroads
Lookman’s stock rose sharply during his time in Bergamo, netting 20 goals in 40 games last season alone. However, his relationship with the club has soured irreparably. Atalanta, who finished third in Serie A to secure Champions League football, must now weigh financial gains against losing a key player to a domestic rival.
What’s Next?
As the standoff continues, Lookman’s future hinges on whether Atalanta softens their stance or a foreign club meets their valuation. For now, the forward remains in limbo, his once-celebrated legacy overshadowed by a bitter exit.
Image: Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi at press conference
Percassi emphasized Atalanta’s control over the transfer process.
Stat Snapshot: Lookman at Atalanta
- Goals: 52 in 118 apps
- 2023/24 Season: 20 goals in 40 matches
- Contract: Runs until 2027
Stay tuned for updates on this escalating transfer saga.
