Ademola Lookman submits transfer for possible exit from Atalanta

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has formally requested to leave Atalanta, citing a breakdown in trust and what he described as poor treatment from the club.

In a statement released on his Instagram and X account on Sunday, the 27-year-old disclosed that he had submitted a transfer request following “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.”

The Nigerian international said his decision to speak publicly came after exhausting other avenues behind the scenes.

“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.

According to Lookman, both he and Atalanta had previously agreed that the time was right for a transfer, with the club reportedly assuring him that he would be allowed to leave should a suitable offer arrive.

“It had already been decided that it was the right time for me to move on and experience a new adventure. Myself and the club ownership were in agreement that this summer was the right time for a new chapter,” he said.

However, despite receiving what he believes to be a fair proposal, he claimed that Atalanta had reneged on the understanding.

“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” he added.

While Lookman did not disclose which club submitted the offer, sources close to the negotiations suggest that Inter Milan is leading the race for his signature.

Inter Milan reportedly tabled a bid worth €42m plus €3m in bonuses, which falls short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation.

It is uncertain whether Inter will return with an improved offer, especially as they have now opened talks with Chelsea over French forward Christopher Nkunku, who is viewed as their primary alternative to Lookman.

Lookman enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign with the Atalanta, scoring a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final and winning the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year.