Ademola Lookman Atalanta dispute worsens after failed Inter transfer, with the Nigerian forward set to face fines and sanctions for his training strike
Ademola Lookman Atalanta relations have hit a breaking point after the Nigerian forward staged a two-week training strike to force through a move to Inter Milan a transfer that has now officially collapsed.
Also read: Ademola Lookman punishment looms as Atalanta takes legal action over AWOL incident
Lookman resurfaced at Atalanta’s Zingonia training headquarters this week, meeting with CEO Antonio Percassi to discuss his future after Inter withdrew their interest.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter had agreed personal terms with Lookman on a five-year deal, but Atalanta refused to sanction a sale to another Italian club, insisting he could only leave abroad in 2025.
Feeling betrayed, Lookman went absent without leave, deleting Atalanta-related content from his social media and refusing to present a medical certificate.
Atalanta stood firm, rejecting Inter’s final €45m bid before negotiations were declared “OFF” by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Atalanta are now preparing disciplinary measures. La Gazzetta reported that sanctions will include fines for failing to notify his absence and wage deductions for missed training days.
Calciomercato added that Lookman will also be required to issue a public apology.
Despite the fallout, head coach Ivan Juric has urged caution, warning that losing Lookman so soon after the sale of Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui would cost the team “90 per cent of their goals.”
Also read: Ademola Lookman transfer to Inter Milan gains momentum
This leaves Atalanta balancing punishment with pragmatism. While sanctions are imminent, the club is considering a reintegration plan to restore Lookman’s role in the squad once disciplinary matters are resolved, mindful of preserving his market value and fitness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
