Will Ademola Lookman Play For Atalanta This Season? Steps Needed To Restore Relationship In Bergamo

Ademola Lookman looked set to leave Atalanta during the summer transfer window but a move failed to materialize which begs the question – will the Nigerian play for La Dea in 2025/26?

Why Did Ademola Lookman Not Leave Atalanta?

The Nigerian international was one of the biggest talking points during the summer transfer window, being involved in a very public fallout with La Dea.

Following a slightly underwhelming performance in the 2024/25 season, where Lookman scored 11 Serie A goals, the relationship between the club and player appeared to be severed.

On August 3rd, Lookman took to Instagram to submit a public transfer request and refused to turn to training or compete in any pre-season friendlies in hopes of forcing a move away.

This decision did not go down well with supporters but it appeared to have served its purpose, as Lookman attracted interest from a host of clubs – primarily from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.

Atalanta, who were third highest spenders during the Serie A transfer window, had reportedly allowed Lookman to converse with possible suitors but were not keen on a move within Italy.

This was made clear after La Dea rejected a series of bids from Inter and the Nerazzurri pulled out of the deal after their $58 million approach was declined with little hesitation.

As the curtain began to draw on the summer transfer window, Lookman’s future became even more uncertain and the Nigerian was scrambling for a late move to a suitable team in Europe.

Bayern Munich then made their move for the Nigerian, however, the Bavarians were only looking for a loan deal with an option to buy which fell way short of Atalanta’s demands.

Reports suggest that the Bundesliga side offered around €5 million for an initial loan fee and a €28m buy-option, which was swiftly rejected by Atalanta.

Now, following the deadline of this summer transfer window, Lookman will return to Atalanta training and begin to repair the relationship that was damaged during the last few months.

Will Ademola Lookman Play For Atalanta In 2025/26 Season?

Ivan Juric would have expected to play-put the 2025/26 season without Ademola Lookman, but will also be ecstatic to keep a player with the quality that the Nigerian possesses.

During his time in Bergamo, the former Fulham player has contributed to 77 goals (55G + 22A) in 118 appearances and became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in 2024.

The Nigerian has been a crucial player for La Dea and this has been emphasised in recent days, as despite the recent issues, Lookman has been included in Atalanta’s Champions League squad.

Selecting their star man just days after the transfer window came to a close means that Lookman is likely to feature for Atalanta this season and reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.

Lookman’s return will bring a mixed reception from supporters, as Ivan Juric’s side have made a poor start to their 2025/26 league campaign – drawing their first two games with 1-1 stalemates against Pisa and Parma.