Ademola Lookman Faces Potential Lawsuit from Atalanta Amid Transfer Dispute

The transfer saga involving 2025 CAF African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman and Atalanta has escalated, with the Serie A club reportedly preparing to sue the 27-year-old Nigerian forward for leaving Italy without authorization and missing training sessions in protest of their refusal to accept a transfer offer from Inter Milan. According to Football Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lookman, who submitted a formal transfer request on August 3, 2025, has not reported to Atalanta’s Zingonia training base for six consecutive days as of August 9, 2025, and has cut off communication with the club.

Atalanta’s management, led by the Percassi family, deems Lookman’s actions “wholly inappropriate,” with Calcio e Finanza reporting that his unauthorized absence could lead to wage deductions or a significant fine under Italian labor laws. The club is also exploring legal measures, potentially leveraging the precedent set by the Diarra rule, which allows players to terminate contracts with compensation if a club’s actions unjustly hinder their career. Lookman, with two years left on his contract worth €4.62 million, could owe this amount if he seeks to rescind his deal.

Atalanta have rejected Inter Milan’s €45 million bid (including €3 million in add-ons), holding firm on a €60 million valuation, as they are unwilling to strengthen a Serie A rival. CEO Luca Percassi clarified that while a transfer was promised, it was conditional on not selling to another Italian club. Instead, Atalanta have offered Lookman to Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, but no formal offers have materialized. La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Lookman, training privately to maintain fitness, prefers a move to Inter Milan, where personal terms for a €4 million-per-year contract until 2030 were agreed.

The situation has drawn mixed reactions. Former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, now at Roma, expressed regret, saying, “I’m sorry… Now there’s a risk he’ll only be remembered for this latest episode.” Posts on X reflect fan frustration, with some criticizing Lookman’s approach as unprofessional, while others argue Atalanta’s refusal to honor the agreed transfer terms justifies his stance. Lookman’s public statement on Instagram accused the club of “broken promises” and “poor treatment,” intensifying the dispute.

Atalanta’s reluctance to sell within Serie A, combined with Lookman’s absence, suggests a resolution is unlikely before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2025. If no deal is reached, Lookman risks further disciplinary action, while a move to the Premier League or elsewhere remains possible but uncertain.

Source: African Publicity