Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has left Italy in frustration, as his transfer saga with Atalanta continues to drag on.
Reports from Italy confirm that the 27-year-old attacker has flown out of the country without informing his club, days after Inter Milan’s €45 million bid for him was rejected by Atalanta.
Italian journalist Marco Nebuloni revealed that Lookman packed out of his home in Bergamo and quietly jetted off to an undisclosed location. Sources believe he is taking time off to recover from a calf injury and escape the mounting pressure around his future.
Lookman has refused to train with Atalanta this week, following the failed transfer. He earlier handed in a transfer request and released a public statement claiming there was a gentleman’s agreement with the club to allow him leave this summer if a good offer arrived.
Atalanta CEO, Luca Percassi, has since admitted there was an agreement, but noted it only applied to top clubs outside Serie A. This has made Lookman’s potential switch to Inter more complicated.
Inter are now reportedly waiting for Atalanta to name their price if they are to consider selling within Italy, though the Bergamo side remain reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reports that Inter have not ruled out making a fresh bid, but could also walk away if Atalanta’s asking price is too high.
Meanwhile, Lookman’s absence from training has sparked talks that Atalanta may be within their rights to withhold his wages, based on Italian labour laws.
The Nigerian international, who starred at AFCON 2023 and was one of Atalanta’s top performers last season, now faces an uncertain future as tensions rise between him and the club.
