Ademola Lookman is smiling again. After a turbulent, disruptive, and ultimately unsuccessful summer push for a transfer, the Nigerian forward is firmly back in the Atalanta starting XI, proving why he is the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
But while the immediate turbulence of “mutiny and escape” appears to be behind him, a growing issue looms over Bergamo: Lookman’s long-term future. With his contract wrapping up in June 2027, and following a saga that rocked the club for months, La Dea knows they cannot afford another repeat performance next summer. The clock is ticking toward a critical contract discussion that must happen before the year ends.
The Failed Escape: A Summer of Chaos
For much of the summer, the relationship between Lookman and Atalanta was strained, to say the least. The 28-year-old, who celebrated his birthday this week, had clearly signalled his desire for a new challenge, attempting to navigate his own exit from Bergamo.
The interest was high. Inter Milan, in particular, pushed hard to secure the La Dea star. However, Atalanta, always shrewd negotiators, refused to budge below their valuation, ensuring a fee could never be mutually agreed upon. This failed negotiation led to a highly disruptive period described as “mutiny and escape,” wrecking the normal routine for the club and leaving an unwelcome storm cloud over the pre-season preparations.
Lookman ultimately returned, but the incident highlighted a fundamental divergence in long-term plans that needs immediate resolution.
Redemption on the Pitch
Credit must be given to Atalanta’s management for their handling of the situation post-return. They displayed patience, waiting for the right moment to reintegrate their crucial attacker into the starting line-up.
That moment came in the recent goalless draw against Lazio, where Lookman showed glimpses of his best, albeit still visibly lacking full match fitness. His performance, however, drew significant praise from the sidelines.
“Today we put in a very high-level performance; in the second half, he lit up completely,” the post-match comments noted. The praise didn’t stop at his attacking prowess; his commitment to the team was equally lauded: “I also liked how he covered the flank in the final minutes, performing impeccable defensive work.”
Lookman was desperately unlucky not to mark his return with a goal, with the coach noting he was “unlucky with the header that was miraculously saved by the goalkeeper, but his performance remains at a very high level.”
After recent goalless draws—including a frustrating result against Slavia Prague in the Champions League—it is abundantly clear that La Dea desperately needs Lookman’s goals back in production. He is the engine of their attack, and his sharp, direct style is crucial for unlocking stubborn defences.
The Looming Contract Cliff
While the focus is currently on getting Lookman’s goals flowing, the club cannot ignore the elephant in the room: his contract situation.
His current deal runs until June 2027. While that may sound long, following such a catastrophic summer saga, it is imperative for Atalanta to gain clarity sooner rather than later. They cannot afford to head into the 2025 summer window with a star player who is only two years from free agency and an established history of wanting to leave.
This is why, inevitably, before the end of the year, all parties will need to sit down and discuss the next step. Whether that involves extending his current deal to better reflect his market value or agreeing on a strategic exit plan for a future window, everyone involved wants to come together and agree on a solution to avoid further storms on the horizon.
Crucially, Lookman’s current, high-level performances directly boost his profit margin. Atalanta stood firm this summer, refusing to drop below a certain valuation for the 28-year-old. His continued excellence only reinforces their negotiating position, ensuring that if he is to eventually leave Bergamo, it will be on their financial terms.
For now, the turmoil is over, and the focus is solely on football. But the clock is ticking on a contract discussion that will define Atalanta’s attacking future and determine whether history repeats itself next summer. La Dea needs Lookman, and they need clarity—fast.
