Super Eagles Rally Behind Ademola Lookman’s Push to Leave Atalanta Amid Transfer Dispute
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have publicly supported their star forward, Ademola Lookman, in his bid to depart Serie A club Atalanta BC, following his formal transfer request citing broken promises and poor treatment by the club’s management. The 27-year-old, crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year, has sparked a transfer saga after publicly criticizing Atalanta for blocking a potential move despite prior agreements.
In a statement posted on Instagram and X on Sunday, Lookman expressed frustration over “many months of broken promises” and what he described as “poor treatment” both as a professional footballer and as a human being. “I have loved every moment, but after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is time to move on and experience a new adventure,” Lookman wrote, adding that Atalanta had agreed to let him leave if a fair offer was received, only to reject a bid he believed aligned with discussions.
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, took to social media to back their key player, emphasizing his importance to the squad and his right to seek a new challenge. “Never doubt the King 👑 @Alookman_,” the team posted, referencing Lookman’s stellar performances, including his recent brace in Atalanta’s 5-0 Serie A win over Empoli. The team’s support follows Lookman’s instrumental role in Nigeria’s campaigns, with the forward expected to lead the Super Eagles in upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Lookman’s transfer request has drawn significant attention, with Inter Milan emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature. The Serie A champions reportedly offered €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons, though Atalanta, holding firm to their €50 million valuation, rejected the bid. Sources suggest tensions have escalated due to Atalanta’s reluctance to negotiate, prompting Lookman to delete all club-related content from his social media accounts, including his profile picture, signaling his intent to force a move.
Atalanta fans have reacted with mixed emotions, with some expressing gratitude for Lookman’s contributions, including his historic hat-trick in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final, while others have criticized him as “ungrateful,” with online comments labeling him “a nobody” before his rise at the club. “You signed a contract until 2027, and now they have to decide when and how to sell you, not you,” one fan remarked. Despite the backlash, Lookman issued a heartfelt apology to supporters, calling them “the heartbeat of this club” and expressing hope for an amicable resolution.
The transfer saga has also drawn interest from other top clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Barcelona, with Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi confirming Lookman’s desire to leave aligns with the club’s policy of one major sale per transfer window. However, the club’s firm stance on their €50 million asking price has complicated negotiations, with Inter Milan now reportedly exploring alternatives like Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
Atalanta’s struggles without Lookman were evident earlier this year when a knee injury sidelined him for six matches, resulting in the team winning just one game during that period. His return to form, marked by 17 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances this season, underscores his critical role for both club and country.
As the transfer window progresses, Lookman’s future remains uncertain, with the coming days pivotal in determining whether he will stay in Bergamo or secure a move to Inter Milan or another top club. The Super Eagles’ backing has added further momentum to his cause, amplifying the pressure on Atalanta to resolve the standoff.
The situation continues to unfold, with fans and analysts closely watching whether Atalanta will soften their stance or hold firm, potentially risking further strain with one of Africa’s finest talents.
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