A year ago, he led Atalanta Bergamo to victory in the Europa League, but now Ademola Lookman is no longer on good terms with his club. The striker is disappointed because his transfer to Inter is in jeopardy.
In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Ademola Lookman began by emphasizing how much he identified with Bergamo. “I have always worn the jersey with pride and always tried to represent the club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion, and dedication,” wrote the 27-year-old. Winning the Europa League in 2024 was “one of the proudest moments” of his career so far. “I still get goosebumps when I think about it.” The English-born player scored all three goals in the 3-0 final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
But now Lookman (under contract until 2027) wants a “new challenge and a new adventure” – and that is supposed to be waiting for him at Inter Milan. The striker and the Champions League finalists have long since reached an agreement, with media reports suggesting that Lookman has been offered a five-year contract. However, the clubs cannot agree on a transfer fee, with Atalanta reportedly rejecting an improved offer of €45 million plus bonuses and demanding €50 million. “We will talk to Atalanta Bergamo again in the next two or three days,” Inter president Giuseppe Marotta said earlier this week, giving Bergamo an ultimatum. “If the conditions are right, we will start negotiations. Otherwise, we will make a different decision.“
No agreement has been reached, and Inter are apparently already looking for alternatives. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Federico Chiesa from Liverpool FC could find his way to Milan if the deal with Lookman falls through.
Lookman says: ”Enough is enough.”
Meanwhile, the player himself cannot understand his club’s actions. Despite many offers in the past, he has always remained loyal. However, he was assured that he would be allowed to leave if a “fair offer” was made. “Unfortunately, the club is blocking the possibility for reasons I don’t understand,” said Lookman, who then went on to say more. “As a result, and after many months of broken promises and what I consider to be poor treatment both as a person and as a professional footballer, I unfortunately feel that I have no choice but to stand up for what I believe is right, and I think enough is enough. I can confirm that I have now submitted a formal transfer request.”
Lookman’s social media channels also prove in other ways that he has closed the door on Bergamo. The 27-year-old has deleted all pictures of himself in the Bergamo jersey and removed the club from his profile.
