Ademola Lookman Strikes at Atalanta for Inter Milan Move

Ademola Lookman

In a dramatic escalation within Serie A, Nigerian international and CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman has gone on strike at Atalanta, refusing to train or play as he forces a transfer to Inter Milan. The 27-year-old winger, celebrated for his pivotal role in Atalanta's Europa League triumph, accuses the club of breaking promises regarding a potential exit. With the transfer window closing soon, this saga highlights tensions between player ambition and club strategy, potentially reshaping squads for the upcoming season.

Lookman has formally handed in a transfer request, citing "broken promises" and "poor treatment" from Atalanta both as a human being and professional. He skipped training sessions, signaling his determination to leave. According to reports, a gentleman's agreement existed allowing his departure if a suitable offer arrived, which he claims Atalanta has reneged on—particularly after rejecting Inter's bids.

Inter Milan, eager to bolster their attack, has submitted two offers: an initial €40m rejected, followed by €42m plus €3m in add-ons, still short of Atalanta's €50m-plus valuation. A third bid is anticipated, potentially closer to the asking price, but Inter has set a one-week deadline to finalize the deal or pivot to alternatives. Lookman has already agreed personal terms with Inter for a contract until 2030, worth €4M per year plus bonuses.

Atalanta prefers selling abroad to avoid strengthening a domestic rival, with interest from clubs like Tottenham noted. In response to Lookman's actions, the club is considering hefty fines and legal measures, especially after he left Italy without permission.

Lookman's career has been a tale of resilience. After stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City in the Premier League where he showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency he found his form at Atalanta since joining in 2022. His hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen cemented his status, earning him the CAF Player of the Year award and drawing suitors.

This strike marks a low point in what was a fairytale story with Atalanta, but Lookman's camp argues the club's refusal to honor agreements has forced his hand. With two years left on his contract, negotiations could drag on, but his absence risks disrupting Atalanta's preparations for the new season.

This incident underscores the growing influence of players in transfer markets, where strikes and public statements can pressure clubs into deals. For Inter, securing Lookman could enhance their title defense, while Atalanta faces squad instability potentially pursuing replacements like Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz to unlock talks.

As deadlines loom, eyes are on whether Inter raises their offer or walks away, leaving Lookman in limbo. Fans and analysts alike await resolution in this high-stakes drama, which could set precedents for future transfers in Italian football.