Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman will face heavy sanctions from Atalanta after embarking on a two-week training strike in a bid to force through his desired move to Inter, a transfer that ultimately collapsed, with talks between player and club now scheduled following his return to Zingonia.
The Nigerian forward resurfaced at Atalanta’s training headquarters, where he met with CEO Antonio Percassi to discuss his future after Inter formally withdrew their interest according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The Nigerian forward has resurfaced at Atalanta’s headquarters in Zingonia,” the outlet reported, confirming that the highly anticipated move to Inter has now collapsed beyond repair.
The saga had dragged on for weeks, with Inter and Atalanta locked in tense negotiations.
Inter had already agreed personal terms with Lookman, offering him a five-year deal, but CEO Percassi stood firm, insisting that while he had promised to allow the player to leave in 2025, he would not sanction a sale to another Italian club.
This position infuriated Lookman, who accused the club of breaking their word. In protest, he staged a two-week strike, refusing to attend training or present a medical certificate, while also deleting all Atalanta-related photos from his social media accounts.
Atalanta, however, refused to bow to pressure and rejected Inter’s latest €45m bid. That prompted the Nerazzurri to walk away from the deal, with sporting director Piero Ausilio and president Beppe Marotta opting to shift focus to other areas of the squad.
“Negotiations with Atalanta are completely frozen,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported, confirming that Inter had told Lookman’s representatives the deal was “OFF.”
Lookman’s tactics left Atalanta deeply unimpressed. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted, “Lookman complicated matters further by going missing in recent weeks without informing the club or presenting a medical certificate.”
“Atalanta kept a low profile during his absence, despite Lookman removing Atalanta photos from his social media and openly requesting a transfer,” the paper added. But the Bergamo side are now reportedly preparing to take disciplinary action.
“They will not let it slide. Sanctions are coming,” La Gazzetta stated.
“The club will fine him for failing to notify his absence and dock his wages for the days he missed at Zingonia, applying the punishment at a time of their choosing.”
Calciomercato further reported that Lookman will be required to issue a public apology as part of the disciplinary process.
Despite the tension, Atalanta may choose not to push their star too far. Head coach Ivan Juric has privately expressed concerns about losing too much firepower after the shock sale of Mateo Retegui, Serie A’s top scorer last season.
Juric reportedly warned that the team would “lose 90 per cent of their goals” if Lookman were also allowed to leave.
This has left both Atalanta and Lookman in a delicate position, balancing discipline with pragmatism as the club cannot afford to diminish his market value or while he cannot also leave himself unprepared ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in December. As such, a reintegration plan remains on the table, with the possibility of restoring him to the starting XI once disciplinary matters are settled.
Credit: punchng.com
