Ademola Lookman Archives

Ademola Lookman in Atalanta Champions League Squad After Failed Inter move

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Atalanta have named their official squad for this season’s UEFA Champions League, with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman in La Dea’s list despite a summer of speculation linking the player away from the club. Inter were close to signing Lookman and made a real push to sign the Nigerian attacker but refused to meet Atalanta’s demands for the player, even after he effectively went on strike and removed all mention of the club from his social media profiles. The Nerazzurri were not the only club who wanted to sign Lookman this summer, with reports speculating interest from Turkey and a feeble loan bid from German side Bayern Munich late in the window. So as La Dea look to repair relations with Lookman, they name him in their squad for Europe’s top competition. There is only one notable absence from the squad: injured Dutch left wing-back Mitchel Bakker. Defenders: Ahanor, Bellanova, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Kossounou, Scalvini, Zappacosta; Midfielders: Bernasconi, Brescianini, De Roon, Ederson, Musah, Pasalic, Samardzic, Zalewski; Attackers: De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Lookman, Maldini, Scamacca, Sulemana.

Ademola Lookman Returns to Atalanta after Inter Withdrawal

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Ademola Lookman is now back in Bergamo and is preparing to train at Zingonia for the first time after learning that Inter have decided to withdraw from the race to sign him this summer. Reports on Monday evening confirmed that Inter have told Atalanta that they no longer wish to pursue a deal for Lookman, despite weeks and weeks of negotiations for the African Player of the Year. The Nerazzurri had seen an offer of €45m including bonuses for Lookman turned down this summer, and now it appears that they will not come back in with an improved bid. The initial rejection of Inter’s bid for Lookman caused the Nigeria international to hand in a formal transfer request and desert Atalanta training, instead returning to the UK to train individually. He also released a statement accusing his employers of breaking promises and treating him poorly as a ‘human being and professional footballer’. Dea CEO Luca Percassi later confirmed that there was an agreement in place that allowed Lookman to leave the club under the right conditions this summer, but only for ‘big’ teams that are located outside Serie A, which complicated a deal between Inter and Atalanta. Despite Lookman’s desire to force through a move to Inter this summer, he has now been forced to swallow a bitter pill and return to Atalanta with less than a week to go before the start of the 2025-26 Serie A season. Atalanta will get their league campaign underway with a visit from newly-promoted Pisa on Sunday evening, kicking off at 7.45pm.

Ademola Lookman AWOL at Atalanta Training

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman row with Atalanta saw him fail to attend training on Monday, as he tries to force through the transfer to Inter. The rapport between the player and his club has hit rock bottom and the situation seems to be at a breaking point. According to multiple sources, Lookman was expected at the Zingonia training ground today for pre-season commitments, but was nowhere to be seen. It comes after he published a long statement on Instagram accusing Atalanta of “broken promises” and confirming he had handed in a formal transfer request. La Dea responded in the form of CEO Luca Percassi, who insisted that while they had promised to sell him this summer if a suitable offer arrived, it was to a club outside of Italy, not their Serie A direct competitors Inter. Now this refusal to attend training will further bring matters to a head, as Inter hope they can convince Atalanta by increasing their proposal of €42m plus €3m in add-ons. This gesture just makes it clear how aggressive the action taken by Lookman is becoming, and it remains to be seen how his club will respond. The 27-year-old is under contract until June 2027.

Ademola Lookman Hands Atalanta Transfer Request

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has handed the club a formal transfer request, the player said Sunday. Lookman made the announcement with a statement posted on Instagram. The 27-year-old said the request was made “after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer. “Sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough,” he said. He said in the statement that it had already been decided that it was the “right time” for him “to move on and experience a new adventure.” He said he and the club ownership had been “in agreement” that now was the right time for a transfer, and that the club agreed to let him leave if a fair offer was made. He said an offer did arrive but now the club was not sticking to its end of the agreement. “Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” he said. “Over the past three years at Atalanta. I’ve given absolutely evrything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication. “I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. “Atalanta, and especcially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I’ve always tried to repay that love-even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes. “That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer come in they would allow me to move. “As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request. “Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential. I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice. “To the fans -the heartbeat of this club -I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always give me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special. “I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible,” the forward stated.

Estate Developer Gifts Nnadozie, Lookman Plots of Land in Abuja

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A well-known estate developing company, Jedo Investment Company Ltd has donated plots of land worth 400 square metres each, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to Super Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman. The land is situated inside the Jedo Mega Estate in Ushafa, Abuja. In a letter signed by its General Manager (Human and Business Relations), Anthony Onwuma, Jedo Investment said it was “particularly inspired” by Nnadozie’s performance as Super Falcons’ goalkeeper at the recently-concluded 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. “Your efforts not only helped secure the championship but also served as a shining example of dedication and excellence for millions of Nigerians and football lovers around the world.” With regards to Lookman, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, the company noted: “Your outstanding performance, resilience, and excellence on the pitch have not only brought immense pride to Nigeria but have also cemented your position as one of the finest in the world today. Your achievement is a testament to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to excellence values that resonate deeply with our brand.” Nnadozie, who is also the reigning Africa Goalkeeper of the Year (retaining the title she won in 2023), was selected as the Best Goalkeeper of the 13th Women AFCON, and has had a fabulous past three years at club level in Europe. Both star players have been offered the position of Brand Ambassador for Jedo Investment company.

Ademola Lookman Rejects Napoli Offer Insists on Inter Move

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Napoli have reignited their pursuit of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman with a €5 million-per-season contract offer, but reports suggest the Atalanta star remains determined to join Inter Milan. According to Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s bid surpasses Inter’s proposal of €4.5 million per season. However, Lookman has reportedly informed all parties that his priority is a move to San Siro this summer, turning down interest from both Napoli and Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old has already reached a verbal agreement with Inter for a deal running until 2030, with wages expected to rise to €5 million during his stay. Inter are currently negotiating with Atalanta to reduce their €50 million asking price, with performance-related bonuses expected to play a key role in finalizing the deal. Meanwhile, Napoli, who have recently secured the signings of Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca, are still in the market for another winger but are unlikely to sway Lookman from his preferred destination.

Barca Considers Ademola Lookman Move

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman during this summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for Atalanta during the 2024-25 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists in the process. Lookman has 13 goals and five assists in 28 Serie A matches this term, while he also impressed in the Champions League, scoring five goals and registering two assists, before the Italian team were eliminated by Club Brugge in the knockout round playoffs. The forward’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to be considering making a move for him during this summer’s transfer window. According to Fichajes, Barcelona are also in the hunt, with the Catalan outfit giving serious consideration to making an offer. The report claimed that Lookman may be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would represent a bargain considering his quality, and his arrival would give Barcelona a different option in the final third of the field. Lookman was born in London, coming through the youth system at Charlton Athletic before representing their first team on 49 occasions, scoring 12 times, and his form earned him a switch to Everton. The Nigeria international found it difficult to make his mark for the Toffees, scoring just four times in 48 appearances, before having an unsuccessful spell at RB Leipzig, spending time out on loan with Fulham and Leicester City. Lookman has finally realised his potential at Atalanta, though, representing the Italian side on 115 occasions, scoring 50 goals and registering 24 assists in the process. The attacker is capable of playing in a number of different positions, but he has mainly operated as a second striker, scoring 12 times and registering four assists in 25 outings while starting in the position behind the main forward. As well as Arsenal and Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool are believed to be keen on Lookman, with his bargain price making him a very attractive proposition during the summer market. Lookman is entering his prime, and his previous experience of English football should stand him in good stead. The forward is a different player to the one who left Everton in 2019 and then spent time on loan at Fulham and Leicester. Much will come down to which club shows the strongest interest, as Lookman will want to be an important player at this stage of his career, and it is difficult to imagine him becoming a starter at Barcelona, especially not next season.

Ademola Lookman slams ‘disrespectful’ Atalanta coach

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Ademola Lookman has hit back at his own manager after being slammed as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following a crushing Champions League defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini made the damning comments after the former Everton winger’s spot kick was saved by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge. The Nigerian had netted the only goal for La Dea off the bench but they were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate, losing 3-1 on the night. Despite his mixed evening, Gasperini stuck the knife in on the negatives and singled out the 27 year old, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, to the media at full time. The Atalanta star missed the spot kick and it was claimed he is not the designated penalty-taker. The Italian coach said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.” Lookman took to X in response, claiming he has been ‘singled out’ and disrespected. He posted: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo. “In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful. “Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”