Atalanta Scrap Plans Over Ademola Lookman Sale After Nigerian’s MOTM Performance In Champions League
The future of Ademola Lookman has taken another turn after the Nigerian's display against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 27 November 2025
Atalanta have scrapped plans to sell Ademola Lookman in January after the Nigerian’s superb performance in the Champions League.
Ademola Lookman Stars In Champions League Win
Raffaele Palladino secured his first win as Atalanta manager, as his side earned a 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in MD5 of the Champions League.
La Dea sealed the all three points in a frantic five-minute period, as the Italian side scored three goals between the 60th and 65th minute.
This victory saw Atalanta move up to 10th in the UCL table, but the main takeaway was the performance from Ademola Lookman as the Nigerian registered two goal contributions.
Lookman opened the scoring after 60 minutes and was involved in the action again just two-minutes later – providing the assist for Ederson.
Putting in this level of performance could be a key moment in Lookman’s season, as the 28-year-old had scored one goal across all competitions before the trip to Frankfurt.
Last season, Lookman scored 15 goals in Serie A which was the second-highest tally for any Atalanta player – behind Mateo Retegui with 26.
The Italian parted ways with the Bergamo-based side in the latest summer transfer window but Retegui has been linked with a return to Atalanta in January.
Rumors over a move for their former star sparked as Lookman continues to be linked with a move away from Italy in 2026 after handing in a transfer request last summer.
However, the Nigerian’s recent performance in Europe appears to have changed things as Atalanta have now halted any plans to offload Lookman.
Atalanta To Keep Lookman In January Window
The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray in January, joining his international teammate Victor Osimhen in Turkey.
Lookman was close to leaving Atalanta after the 2024/25 campaign as La Dea rejected multiple bids from Inter Milan and rumors sparked once again after a public dispute with Ivan Juric during a 1-0 win over Marseille on November 5th.
Juric was relieved of his duties as La Dea boss just a few days later and Palladino’s arrival has offered a new lease of life to Lookman.
Atalanta have considered multiple candidates to replace Lookman if the Nigerian leaves in January, being one of several Serie A sides to show interest in Giovane from Hellas Verona.
This interest has come to an end after Lookman’s recent performance in Europe, as Atalanta will keep the Nigerian for the rest of this season.
Palladino is also hoping to take this a step further by offering the 28-year-old an improved deal, as Lookman’s contract is set to expire in June 2027.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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