Tag: Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman  earned his first start of the season  in the Serie A since the drama surrounding his future in the summer transfer window  as Atalanta  were held goalless  at home by Lazio  yesterday at the Gewiss Stadium  in Bergamo, Italy.

La Dea were still unbeaten, albeit with a few too many stalemates, and their injury crisis calmed with the return of Charles De Ketelaere, Nicola Zalewski, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, with Raoul Bellanova, Odilon Kossounou, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker still out.

The Aquile rushed Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia back from injury, but Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Luca Pellegrini and Samuel Gigot were still sidelined.

The Lazio injury problems intensified after just 22 minutes when Matteo Cancellieri limped off with a muscular issue, replaced by Gustav Isaksen.

Atalanta dominated possession with long spells of fairly ineffective passing moves, whereas the first real save saw Toma Basic’s free kick sting Marco Carnesecchi’s gloves.

Matteo Guendouzi also fired over the bar after a counter-attack sparked by Nuno Tavares and Zaccagni, while Ivan Provedel made his first save on 43 minutes when Davide Zappacosta slipped taking the shot from the edge of the area.

Read Also: Veteran journalist decries NFF’s flawed electoral system   

Lookman should have scored on 51 minutes but turned a free header over from six yards on the De Ketelaere cross with only Provedel to beat.

Moments later, Mario Gila made a decisive interception as De Ketelaere pulled back from the by-line for the otherwise unmarked Lookman.

Ederson scuffed the finish straight at Provedel after good work in the build-up from De Ketelaere and Lookman, while Nuno Tavares made a crucial block on the Davide Zappacosta volley.

On the resulting corner, Mario Pasalic flicked it on to the back post only for Honest Ahanor to toe-poke wide from close range.

Atalanta finally introduced a centre-forward in the form of Nikola Krstovic and within two minutes he had forced a save out of Provedel at the near post when springing the offside trap in the centre circle.

Provedel made a sensational fingertip save on the Lookman finish that squirmed through a sea of legs, taking a slight nick off Adam Marusic’s shin. He also had to be alert on Krstovic’s looping header from the resulting corner.

When the Lazio goalkeeper was finally beaten by a Davide Zappacosta angled drive on 80 minutes, he was rescued by the base of the upright, then quick enough to parry the Marten de Roon follow-up.

Former Napoli, Udinese and Atalanta director Piero Paolo Marino has weighed-in on  the   ongoing transfer saga  involving Ademola Lookman, saying  the Nigeria International striker would be worst for it since  he “will lose the battle with Atalanta”.

Lookman has  tried to force a move to Inter during the summer transfer window, but La Dea rejected any offer below €50m and pushed the Nigeria star to remain in Bergamo at least until January.

Lookman has yet to make his first competitive appearance for Atalanta this season and also missed yesterday’s UEFA Champions League  match away to Paris Saint Germain.

Read Also: UCL: Kane scores twice as Bayern secure 3-1 win over Chelsea

 “The Atalanta management, led by Percassi, has been exemplary. Nobody would want to have such a complicated case in their hands,” Marino told TMW as per Football Italia.  “Lookman has shown himself to be in that group of ‘stubborn’ players who think more with their wallets and cynicism than with their heads.

 “For me, this matter will end with Lookman’s defeat. Honestly, I don’t know if he will be a recoverable player, but certainly not because of Atalanta. He had already given signs of his way of interpreting professionalism in his relationship with Gasperini.”

Meanwhile, Marino still expects Lookman to leave in the winter transfer window in January.

 “The problem will come up again in January, since all the big clubs in difficulty go after strikers, and therefore, the market will hardly leave him in Bergamo,” he said.

coach Ivan Juric  has said  that Ademola Lookman will sit out Atalanta’s Champions League opener at Paris Saint-Germain as the Nigeria forward continues to be sidelined following a protracted attempt to leave the Serie A club.

Atalanta warmed up for Wednesday’s clash with the European champions in Paris by beating Lecce 4-1 on Sunday  without star man Lookman, who hasn’t featured this season after trying and failing to force a move to Inter Milan in the summer.

It was the second time in as many years that Lookman has tried to find the exit door after attempting to leave for PSG the summer after he helped win the Europa League for Atalanta in 2024.

 “I don’t think so, it’s an unpleasant situation,” said Juric when asked if Lookman would travel to the French capital. “He has given a lot to Atalanta but Atalanta has given him a lot as well.

“We need players who are ready, who want to play for the shirt and improve… Looking ahead we’ll see what happens.”

London-born Lookman has become one of the best players in Europe since signing for Atalanta three years ago after a middling early career in England and Germany.

The 27-year-old has scored 52 times in 117 matches for Atalanta, most famously netting a hat-trick in last year’s Europa League final, when the Bergamo club won their first European trophy by thumping previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.

Read Also: NFF disowns statement criticising Troost-Ekong, Dessers

Lookman scored 20 times in all competitions last season with five coming in seven Champions League appearances, but he soured his relationship with the club by abandoning team training in the hope that Inter would meet Atalanta’s asking price of 50 million euros.

That never happened and Lookman, whose contract doesn’t expire until the end of June 2027, was forced to return to Atalanta, where he has since been frozen out by Juric who has replaced Gian Piero Gasperini in the dugout.

Atalanta  are unbeaten in their opening three matches in Lookman’s absence this term, and sit sixth, one point behind Gasperini’s new team Roma who fell to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Torino.

Charles De Ketelaere struck twice in the second half with Giorgio Scalvini and Nicola Zalewski netting Atalanta’s other goals.

Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta team training after a transfer standoff, ending weeks of uncertainty over his future in Serie A, while Juventus have identified the Nigerian as their top target to replace Dusan Vlahovic in 2026.

According to Sport Mediaset, Lookman has officially rejoined training with Atalanta after weeks in limbo due to his push for a transfer to Inter Milan.

The Nigeria international had trained separately following his dramatic fallout with the club in August, even deleting Atalanta pictures from his social media.

Inter reportedly submitted a €45m (£38m/$53m) bid, which was turned down, and with the move collapsing, Lookman has now been reintegrated into Ivan Juric’s squad following his time on international duty.

Read Also: NFF mourns legendary  ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair

La Dea stood firm throughout the summer saga, refusing to part with one of their key attacking figures despite Inter’s strong interest. Lookman, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, is considered vital to their ambitions in Serie A and Europe.

The situation is reminiscent of 2024, when the forward was also sidelined until after the transfer window closed, only to return and play a crucial role in their campaign.

During the international break, Lookman featured heavily for Nigeria, playing 75 minutes against Rwanda and a full 90 minutes against South Africa in World Cup qualifying. His fitness levels appear strong, though Atalanta will carefully manage his reintegration.

In a dramatic turn of event,  Turkish foremost  clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, have both entered the race  to sign Nigeria International striker Ademola Lookman  from Atalanta before  the close of their transfer windows close on Friday, 12 September.

The main European transfer window closed on Monday evening, with Lookman failing to earn himself the big transfer he craved and even went on strike when Atalanta refused to sell him to Inter Milan.

But reports  emanating  from Italy  have  confirmed that two Turkish sides in Fenerbahce and Galatasaray remain interested in a potential deal for the Nigeria international.

The Lookman scenario is similar to what his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, passed through at Napoli  before he  first went on loan to Galatasaray last season after his desire to move away from  Diego Maradona Stadium was rebuffed.

Read Also: Lagos to host Electric Powerboat Championship

Since the window in Turkey will remain open until September 12, Lookman  stands to benefit since  both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are still able to sign players, and clubs in other leagues are still able to sell to them, even if their own transfer window has closed.

Quoting transfer expert  Orazio  Accomando, Football Italia  reported that Fenerbahce have put forward a four-year contract offer worth around €6m per season in wages in an attempt to lure Lookman to Istanbul but they do not have an agreement in place with the player, nor his current employers, Atalanta.

Yet multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Alfredo Pedulla, claimed that Galatasaray are the team to watch in the next days.

As per football transfers, Romano said on his Italian YouTube channel that Turkey could be Lookman’s  next destination while  Pedulla added on his channel, that Galatasaray is very much an option.

Recall that  Lookman  infamously went AWOL for two weeks and was spotted training on his own in England  after being infuriated by Atalanta’s decision to refuse to sell him to Inter Milan.

But after news emerged that Inter had communicated to Atalanta that they no longer want to sign Lookman, the attacker decided to end his strike and return to Italy.

He has since been training separately from the rest of the squad and he has not been called up or played this season.

Multiple sources  have claimed  that Bayern Munich have made an approach for Ademola Lookman, but it was already rejected, while Tottenham and Galatasaray are interested.

The Athletic was the first to break the news that the Bundesliga giants have contacted Atalanta for Lookman, proposing a paid loan with option to buy at the end of the season.

This makes it totally unacceptable for La Dea, as Sky Sport Italia, Sport Mediaset, Sportitalia and more reported that  they immediately turned it down.

They will only accept a permanent sale for the Nigeria international.

Read Also: Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai

The reported fee of €28m for the option to buy is also considered far too low, as his value is €50m. There might be hope yet for Atalanta and Lookman, because Sky Sports Germany claim that Tottenham Hotspur and Galatasaray are also interested, and they could be prepared to buy him outright.

Atalanta promised Lookman he could be sold this summer, but only to a club outside of Italy, so turned down the €42m plus €3m bonus proposal put forward by Inter.

He has been training separately ever since returning from a couple of weeks where he went AWOL in protest.

Bayern Munich find themselves suddenly needing a new striker after the chaotic situation with Nicolas Jackson, who landed in Germany for his medical last night only to be told to turn around and return to Chelsea.

That was meant to be a loan with option to buy, cancelled because Liam Delap sustained a hamstring injury.

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric still expects more new signings before the transfer deadline, but admits ‘it is difficult to hazard a guess’ on whether Ademola Lookman will stay or go.

La Dea opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Pisa and now face a tricky trip to Parma today.

 “The second half against Pisa was excellent, but the only problem was that we failed to capitalise on our chances. We’ve got to improve on dealing with the long ball game of opponents,” noted the coach in his press conference.

 “Parma are a tough opponent, they had the first really big chance of their game against Juventus, even if they eventually lost. Carlos Cuesta comes from Arsenal, so I expect an aggressive pressing game and danger on set plays.

 “We use zonal defending and know how to adjust from game to game. Arsenal and in general the Premier League are tactical inspirations for me, there is such a maniacal focus on certain aspects that we don’t really pay attention to.”

Ederson was struggling with injury problems ahead of that game and will also miss out tomorrow, while Lookman remains an outcast following his attempts to walk away this summer.

Read Also: Int’l Friendly: NFF hails Abiodun on cash gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

 “I think that could still get some more moves done before the transfer deadline. I don’t know anything about Lookman, it’s difficult to hazard a guess on what will happen or if he will remain,” added Juric.

Lookman had wanted a transfer to Inter, but the club withdrew after their offer was turned down, then nobody else was prepared to match it.

He has been training separately from the rest of the squad, but remains under contract and could be welcomed back into the fold.

Atalanta are in the Champions League again this season and the draw pitted them against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Praha, Olympique Marseille, Athletic Club Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise.

 “There are no fragile teams in there,” insisted Juric. “I faced Union before and know how good they are, while Slavia Prague play really good football too, I scouted a few of their players. Obviously, then facing champions of PSG or Chelsea will be special.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have announced their final 23-man squad for next month’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joins Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman on the roster.

The squad, released by the Nigeria Football Federation, confirms head coach Eric Chelle’s selections as the three-time African champions prepare for two must-win fixtures.

Nigeria face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein for a clash against Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September.

Nwabali, who rose to prominence with his commanding performances at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, retains his place as the mainstay between the sticks. That is despite worries of the Nigerian international cupping an injury during a league match for Chippa United.

Read Also: NFF extends tenure of NPFL, NNL, NLO boards

The former Lobi Stars goalie is backed by Amas Obasogie of Singida Blackstars and Adebayo Adeleye of Greek side Volos FC.

In defence, captain William Troost-Ekong leads a familiar backline that includes Premier League duo Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youngster Benjamin Fredrick, currently plying his trade in Belgium, is among the fresh inclusions.

The midfield boasts a blend of experience and dynamism. Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka provide Premier League pedigree, while Wilfred Ndidi – now with Besiktas – adds steel and tactical nous.

Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika complete a strong engine room, supported by Christantus Uche of Getafe.

Up front, the Super Eagles’ attacking options remain formidable. Galatasaray striker Osimhen headlines the list, with Atalanta’s Lookman and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze providing pace and creativity from wide areas. Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare add further depth.

There seems to be glimmer of hope for  Nigeria international striker Ademola Lookman over his transfer impasse  with Atalanta  with no less than three  English Premier League (EPL) side  reportedly  ready  to prise  him away before the Transfer Deadline Day. Such EPL transfer speculations often fuel excitement among fans and those who enjoy football betting, especially during the final days of the window.

Lookman’s  is already listed as one of the  running  transfer sagas  in Italian football with the September 1^st Deadline Day approaching. Others  on that infamous list include goalkeeper  Gianluigi Donnarumma potential  move from European Champions , Paris Saint Germain to Manchester City; Artem Dovbyk from Villarreal to Roma; Randal Kolo Muani  from PSG to Juventus  as well as  Dusan Vlahovic   who scored for Juventus in their Serie A opener to Milan, who last weekend pulled out  of a deal for Nigeria International striker, Victor Boniface.

Meanwhile,  the on-going  standoff  between Atalanta  and Lookman  has been described  as ‘an ugly  situation’ by getfootballnewsitaly.com, adding  there  could be late approach from the Premier League clubs  for the African Footballer of the Year.

Read Also: Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai

“This (Atalanta versus Lookman) has become an ugly situation,” the Italian outlet claimed. “Lookman has made it pretty clear that he doesn’t want to play for Atalanta anymore, and the club are clear that they want their asking price to be met. Inter have pulled out of the race and a move to Atletico Madrid doesn’t seem likely either.

“If nothing happens, a lot would need to be forgiven from both sides for the Nigerian to play for them again. Watch out however for a late approach from the Premier League clubs, particularly Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City or Liverpool.”

But it remains to be seen if Lookman would cross the Rubicon as the  transfer windows for LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 all close at 7pm on Monday September 1.

Former Juventus and Napoli executive Luciano Moggi has rapped  Ademola Lookman following his transfer stand-off  with  Atalanta, urging  Lega Serie A authorities to impose harsher penalties on players and coaches who fail to honour their contracts.

The octogenarian in his column for Libero, accused Lookman of not respecting the terms of his agreement with Atalanta, using him as a prime example of what he described as a growing culture of contractual disregard in Italian football.

 “Our football is suffering from managerial chaos,” Moggi wrote. “The rules no longer seem to apply, ideas are running out, and even the money is disappearing.”

Read Also: Rio Olympics: Disu charges NFF to speak up over unpaid loans

He pointed to a worrying shift in power, where players, rather than clubs, are now dictating the terms of their employment: “We’re seeing players refuse to respond to club calls or present medical certificates as a way to force transfers to preferred destinations.

 “Teun Koopmeiners did it last year, and Lookman is doing the same this year,” he claimed.

Moggi questioned the relevance of long-term contracts in this environment, arguing that current sanctions—mostly financial—are ineffective. “Fines are no longer a deterrent; they’re too easy to absorb,” he stated. “To restore order and discipline, the league must introduce serious consequences, including heavy suspensions.”

The criticism comes amid speculation surrounding Lookman’s future, following reports of interest from top European clubs after his standout performances for both Atalanta and Nigeria.