Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman came close to leaving Atalanta for Inter Milan in the summer in what quickly turned into a messy transfer situation
Ademola Lookman’s stand-off with Atalanta appears to be over, with the Nigerian winger back in first-team training and in line for a Serie A return against Torino on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward has not trained with Ivan Juric’s side since July, after Inter Milan’s €45m bid for him was rejected.
Lookman had agreed personal terms with Inter, but Atalanta refused to sanction a deal for less than €50m.
Bayern Munich also tested the waters with a loan offer on deadline day, but the club ignored it completely, leaving Lookman sidelined and frustrated.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Thursday, tweeting:
“After being out of Atalanta squad since July, Ademola Lookman returns in team training today. The Nigerian winger spoke to coach Ivan Jurić and clarified his situation.”
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Atalanta have made a solid start domestically, unbeaten in Serie A with five points from three games, but their Champions League campaign began disastrously with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman, notably absent from that squad, watched on as his teammates struggled.
During his Atalanta exile, Lookman remained sharp on international duty.
The reigning Africa Footballer of the Year featured for Nigeria in their September World Cup qualifiers: a 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo and a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Ademola Lookman’s return could not be more timely for Atalanta, who need extra firepower to shake off their European embarrassment and sharpen their league form. Lookman, who scored 17 goals last season, offers precisely the attacking thrust Jurić’s men have lacked.
The truce between player and club, however, may only be temporary. Unless Atalanta qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League or challenge domestically, Lookman’s name will again dominate transfer speculation when the market reopens in January.
For now, though, the winger is back in the fold and expected to play some part when Atalanta face Torino this weekend.
