Lookman Hands in Transfer Request as Move to Inter Nears Completion

Ademola Lookman has formally submitted a transfer request to leave Atalanta, intending to complete a move to Inter Milan. He did so after the Italian club rejected Inter’s latest offer of €45 million, leaving a continuing €5 million gap to Atalanta’s €50 million valuation.

Despite the commercial standstill, Fabrizio Romano confirms that Lookman has reached full personal terms with Inter on a five‑year contract, making the San Siro his clear priority over rival suitors Napoli and Atlético Madrid.

Lookman’s frustration has been made public. In a heartfelt message, he praised Atalanta fans, expressed pride in helping deliver the Europa League title, and lamented what he describes as “broken promises” and poor treatment. He insists the move aligned with commitments he believed were made by club leadership and is now seeking resolution for his career progression.

Editorial

This situation illustrates the growing pains between player aspiration and club valuation. Lookman’s stance is not about emotional impulsivity; it reflects belief in professional integrity. At 27, he gave Atalanta his peak years delivering a hat-trick in the Europa League final, 15 Serie A goals last season, and ultimately being named African Player of the Year in 2024. He deserves clarity.

Inter’s intent appears genuine they’ve agreed personal terms and tabled moving offers. Yet Atalanta’s firm €50 million stance is not without grounds. Expectation of fair value is legitimate. However, negotiation demands dialogue, and Lookman has opted to push forward with agency.

What Atalanta risks here is losing goodwill. A player who carries fan respect, statistical productivity, and international esteem deserves exit terms handled with finesse not friction. A drawn-out impasse may hurt both performance and perception.

It’s time for leadership: transparent communication and mutual adjustments, not ultimatums or silence. Perhaps inclusion of performance-related bonuses or sell-on clauses might bridge the gap. For Inter, securing the player’s signature may require flexibility; for Atalanta, honouring long-standing verbal agreements might preserve legacy and trust.

Transfer windows test professionalism beyond contracts and ledgers. This one requires both sides to transition from tension to collaboration. Lookman’s record is undeniable; the question now is whether resolution will be too late—or still possible.

Did You Know?

1. Lookman scored a hat‑trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, helping Atalanta defeat Bayer Leverkusen and claim their first major European trophy.
2. He has appeared 118 times for Atalanta, scoring 52 goals and providing 25 assists since joining from RB Leipzig in August 2022.
3. Inter’s initial offer stood at €40 million, rising to €45 million with add-ons still short of Atalanta’s €50 million demand.
4. The player reportedly agreed to reduce his wage demands from €4 million net to €3.5 million net—to facilitate a quicker resolution.
5. Lookman has represented England at U19, U20 and U21 levels before switching allegiance and scoring 8 goals in 29 caps for Nigeria’s senior national team.