Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has dramatically escalated his bid to leave Atalanta, formally submitting a transfer request and publicly accusing the club of “broken promises” and “poor treatment” over a proposed move to Inter. The winger confirmed his decision via a scathing statement on Instagram, asserting that the Nerazzurri’s €45 million offer (including add-ons) is “sufficient” for a deal.
The 26-year-old’s bold stance comes as he eyes a switch to San Siro, a move he believes Atalanta is “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.” Lookman’s Instagram post detailed his perceived mistreatment and the breakdown of trust with the club.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion, and dedication,” Lookman began, prefacing his frustration with an emotional tribute to his time in Bergamo.
He recounted the pride of winning the Europa League, calling it “one of the proudest moments of my career so far,” and expressed his deep connection to the club and its supporters. “Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I’ve always tried to repay that love, even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.”
However, the tone quickly shifted as Lookman detailed the reasons behind his drastic action. “That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.”
He revealed that previous approaches from other clubs were resisted, but implied a different understanding for his current situation. “The ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time, and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.”
This understanding, Lookman claims, has been betrayed. “Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” he stated.
His frustration boiled over into direct accusations against Atalanta’s management. “As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough.”
Lookman confirmed: “I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request. Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans, and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.”
This isn’t the first time Lookman has sought an exit from La Dea. His rapport with the club reportedly began to crumble last year after an attempt to force a move to Paris Saint-Germain was firmly rebuffed. Tensions further escalated in February during the Champions League play-off elimination at the hands of Club Brugge, when Lookman, insisting on taking a crucial penalty, saw his effort saved by Simon Mignolet.
With Lookman now openly forcing the issue, much like teammate Teun Koopmeiners did with Juventus last summer, the coming weeks are set to define his future as he pushes relentlessly for a dream move to Inter. Despite his grievances, Lookman concluded his statement by reiterating his enduring affection for the Atalanta faithful, insisting his heart will “forever remain with the club.”
