Atalanta have confirmed the inclusion of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman in their squad for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, despite an eventful summer marked by failed transfer attempts. Clubs such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Tottenham Hotspur showed serious interest, yet no deal was finalised.
Inter Milan came closest to securing his signature, reportedly offering €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses. However, Atalanta held firm on a valuation of around €50 million and insisted on a permanent move abroad a condition unmet by any suitors.
During the summer, Lookman hand-delivered a transfer request, turned off all Atalanta mentions on social media, and trained separately amid tensions. Despite this discord, his appearance in the Champions League squad signals a possible reconciliation as La Dea look to leverage his talents in Europe’s elite competition.
Editorial
We observe in this saga the delicate balance between player ambition and club authority. Ademola Lookman, fresh from outstanding performances and crowned CAF Player of the Year, understandably sought a new challenge. The standoff that ensued valuations unmet, broken promises, training absences illustrates the frustration that ambition unfulfilled can breed.
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Yet, football is rarely about letting emotions dictate outcomes. Atalanta’s decision to include Lookman in their Champions League squad this season underscores their recognition of his value and perhaps their willingness to rebuild trust. This may well be a strategic move to protect his form and market value while opening the door for future negotiations.
We would argue that this moment serves as both a test and an opportunity. Lookman must now prove his professionalism and reintegrate with unity, while Atalanta must balance sporting ambition with grace. If managed well, this chapter could evolve from tension into triumph, reinforcing both the player’s and club’s commitment to success. The journey continues, but inclusion in Europe’s grandest stage is already a step toward healing.
Did You Know?
- Ademola Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, helping Atalanta to their first-ever European title.
- Atalanta had reportedly agreed to let Lookman move this summer—according to the player—but reversed course once Inter’s bid emerged.
- Lookman’s summer conflict with Atalanta saw him absent from training for two weeks and fined by the club for his absence.
- Atalanta’s only notable omission from their Champions League squad is left-back Mitchel Bakker, who is sidelined due to injury.
- Other clubs, notably Galatasaray, remain interested in Lookman, with Turkey’s transfer window still open and possibly offering a route for a move.
