SUPER Eagles’ forward, Ademola Lookman has officially returned to Atalanta’s first-team training, ending weeks of speculation surrounding his future after a tense transfer standoff with the club.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the 27-year-old forward had been training separately since August following his push for a high-profile move to Inter Milan. The situation escalated when Lookman scrubbed his social media accounts of all Atalanta-related posts, sparking rumours of a potential exit.
According to Sport Mediaset, Inter reportedly tabled a €45 million (£38m/$53m) bid for the player, but Atalanta refused to sell, insisting that Lookman was integral to their plans for the new season.
Lookman was one of Atalanta’s most influential players last season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and playing a pivotal role in their domestic and European campaigns.
His return provides head coach Ivan Juric with crucial attacking depth alongside Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere.
Club sources revealed that the decision to reintegrate Lookman came after a “productive dialogue” between the player, his representatives, and Atalanta’s hierarchy during the international break.
While his club future remained uncertain, Lookman featured prominently for the Super Eagles during the September international window, logging 75 minutes against Rwanda and a full match against South Africa in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
His performances reassured Atalanta of his match fitness, though the club plans to manage his return carefully.
He is not expected to feature in Atalanta’s upcoming Serie A clash with Lecce but could be named in the squad for their UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.
Despite his return, questions linger about Lookman’s long-term future at the Gewiss Stadium. Italian daily Tuttosport reports that Juventus have identified him as their preferred replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to leave when his contract expires in 2026.
Juventus, alongside several other European clubs, are expected to monitor Lookman’s situation closely and could make a move as early as the January transfer window. Atalanta have him under contract until June 2027 but may face renewed pressure to sell if interest intensifies.
Lookman is reportedly at the top of Juventus’ shopping list, which also includes teammate Scamacca, Santiago Castro, Matteo Pellegrino, Gonçalo Ramos, Emanuel Emegha, George Ilenikhena, and Joshua Zirkzee.
This isn’t the first time Lookman has found himself at odds with Atalanta during the summer market. In 2024, he was sidelined until after the transfer window before returning to play a crucial role in the club’s strong finish to the season.
Atalanta will be hoping for a similar outcome this year, as they compete on multiple fronts and look to maintain momentum domestically and in Europe.