Italian Serie A club Atalanta is preparing to take legal action against star forward Ademola Lookman after he reportedly left the country without permission and refused to attend training sessions. The move comes as Lookman protests the club’s rejection of a transfer bid from league rivals Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old, who was recently named African Player of the Year, has gone on an “unauthorised vacation,” according to reports from Football Italia. The club’s hierarchy, led by the Percassi family, considers his actions completely unacceptable and has prepared legal action that could lead to a significant fine for the player. Lookman has also reportedly cut off all communication with the club since his departure.
This standoff has created a transfer stalemate just weeks before the new Serie A season begins. Lookman’s protest reportedly stems from a belief that the club breached a verbal agreement to let him leave this summer if a suitable offer was made.
Inter Milan has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the Nigerian international on a deal worth €4.5 million per season until 2030. However, their latest bid of €42 million guaranteed plus €3 million in variables falls short of Atalanta’s €50 million valuation.
Adding to the complexity, Atalanta is said to be reluctant to sell their key player to a direct league rival and is hoping other interested clubs will make a better offer. English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as a potential suitor, reportedly viewing Lookman as an alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as they look to replace their departing captain, Son Heung-min.
Despite Lookman’s public protest—which includes submitting a transfer request and unfollowing the club on social media—Atalanta holds the upper hand. The forward has two years remaining on his current contract, meaning he would be contractually obliged to return to the team if a transfer agreement is not reached.
Lookman had an exceptional season last year, scoring 20 goals across all competitions.
