Ademola Lookman has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta, claiming the club is blocking his exit after turning down offers from Inter Milan, Oltsport reports.
The reigning CAF Men’s Player of the Year has been clear in his decision to leave the club this summer following a row with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during the course of last season.
Atalanta placed a price tag of between €40 and €50 million on the forward in May, with Juventus and Inter initially interested in securing his services. That list of suitors has now been narrowed down to one—Inter.
Lookman, who signed a four-year contract with the Bergamo side in the summer of 2022 after joining from RB Leipzig for an undisclosed fee, has just a year remaining on his deal.
Inter submitted an opening bid of €40 million, which was rejected in mid-July. Club chairman Piero Ausilio confirmed the offer but stressed they would not enter prolonged negotiations as other priorities remained in the transfer window.
Recently, Inter improved their bid, but Atalanta continue to give them the cold shoulder. The question now is: is Ademola Lookman really worth more than what Inter are offering?
What Is Ademola Lookman’s True Worth?
At 27, Ademola Lookman is firmly in his prime. With 52 goals and 21 assists in 118 Atalanta appearances across all competitions in three seasons, he has overcome years of inconsistency to reach world-class status.
In his debut season in Italy, Lookman played a pivotal role in securing European qualification. In his second, he helped Atalanta win the Europa League, scoring a hat-trick in the 3–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final, ending a trophy drought of over 60 years.
Last season, he recorded 20 goal involvements in Serie A, a figure bettered by only three players. Only teammate Mateo Retegui averaged more goal contributions per 90 minutes than his 0.73. His 1.1 goal involvements per 90 minutes in the Champions League also ranks among the elite.
Currently regarded as one of the best left wingers in the world, Lookman is valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt. However, with just one year left on his contract, Atalanta are unlikely to command that figure.
Inter believe their €42 million plus €3 million add-ons proposal is fair. But could they have been willing to match Atalanta’s valuation if there was genuine competition for his signature?
A genuine question, why are there not more suitors for a player with such a great reputation and at the prime of his career?
Victor Osimhen, and Now Lookman | Why Are Nigerian Stars Not Attracting Suitors?
In the same summer where only Galatasaray and Al Hilal contested the signing of superstar striker Victor Osimhen, several top European clubs were in the market for a striker, yet none moved for him.
Now, Ademola Lookman finds himself in a similar position. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and other major sides have all been linked with searching for a left winger this summer, yet none have expressed interest in the CAF Player of the Year despite his availability.
Why are Nigerian players not drawing top-level attention? Atalanta may feel €50 million is a fair price for a player of Lookman’s calibre, while Inter could be relaxed, knowing they face no competition for his signature.
Lookman is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri and is simply waiting for Atalanta to give the green light—a step they are reluctant to take.
What Ademola Lookman SaidIn his statement, Lookman revealed that the bid received from Inter matched prior discussions and accused the club of blocking his move.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. 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 will 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Lookman went on to declare that he has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta, as he hoped the issue will be resolved to avoid further regrettable actions.
“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.”
Lookman ended by addressing the fans:
“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 given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special. With love and gratitude, Ademola.”
It’s a complicated situation, one that raises uncomfortable questions. Who is to blame for Africa’s best players’ inability to attract top clubs? The agents? The clubs? Or the players themselves?
Even though the fee is a little exaggerated by Atalanta, with what Ademola Lookman offers, shouldn’t there be a top European club willing to match that amount?
Why is Inter the only club interested in this deal, and why are they also reluctant to pay the €50 million, which is less than they player’s value?
So many uncomfortable questions. Why do these club clubs overlook Nigeria’s superstars? Is it just about the Serie A clubs or about the players?
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
