Lookman presents transfer request to Atalanta

Lookman presents transfer request to Atalanta

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has expressed frustration with Atalanta, accusing the Serie A side  of ‘blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand’ to join Inter.

According to Lookman, the club’s refusal to allow his departure flies in the face of previous promises that he would be permitted to leave if a fair offer was made.

In a heartfelt and pointed statement released via his social media handle, Lookman expressed  his desire to seek a new challenge has been met with resistance from Atalanta, despite concrete interest from other clubs.

 “Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” Lookman revealed. “After many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me both as a human being and a professional footballer, I feel I have no choice but to speak out. Enough is enough.”

The 26-year-old winger underlined his commitment to Atalanta during his three-year stay, saying he gave “absolutely everything” to the club both on and off the pitch. He described his time in Bergamo as special, referencing unforgettable memories such as lifting the Europa League trophy with his teammates in Dublin — a moment he called one of the proudest of his career.

But Lookman now feels his chapter in Italy should come to a respectful close. He noted that both he and the club’s ownership had agreed in prior discussions that he would be allowed to move on when the right opportunity came — an agreement he now claims Atalanta has walked back on.

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“I’ve loved every moment, but I feel that now, after three wonderful years, it’s time to move on and experience a new adventure,” he wrote. “There have been numerous approaches in the past and I stayed loyal. But the club were clear: if a fair offer came, I would be allowed to go. That offer has come — and yet here we are.”

Over the weekend, Atalanta reportedly rejected a second bid from rivals Inter Milan for the Nigerian forward. The Nerazzurri’s first offer of €40 million was not accepted by La Dea, who have now turned down an improved bid of €45 million including add-ons.

Lookman  has now a spoken of his pain at having to make his frustrations public but said he felt compelled to do so due to the lack of progress and perceived disrespect behind the scenes.

 “Even throughout extremely difficult moments, many of which have remained private, I have always put the club, the fans, and the team first. But unfortunately, I feel there is now little choice.”

Lookman expressed gratitude and regret to the Atalanta supporters: “To the fans — the heartbeat of this club — I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right.”

As it stands, Ademola Lookman’s future remains uncertain, but his stance is clear: after three years of service, he wants to leave Atalanta for a fresh challenge — and is deeply disappointed by the club’s decision to block that move.

Lookman presents transfer request to Atalanta