Ademola Lookman, at 'war' with Atalanta to force his departure

Atalanta of Bergamo's star striker, Ademola Lookman, has not reported to the 'nerazzurri' team's facilities for the preseason. Last August 3, the footballer published a statement on social media requesting his departure from the club after alleging months of unfulfilled promises and alleged mistreatment.

In that sense, these are difficult hours in the Atalanta environment, because their main figure has stated that he wants to be transferred. His value in the market is 60 million euros, according to 'Transfermarkt'. According to the latest information, Inter Milan offered Atalanta 45 million euros plus 5 'kilos' in bonuses.

However, the amount does not meet the demands of the team chaired by Antonio Percassi. In the last year, Lookman had an outstanding performance with 20 goals and 7 assists in 40 games, a performance that aroused interest from various elite clubs.

Lookman was on Barça's radar, but was ruled out due to the price Atalanta is asking

FC Barcelona was one of the teams that was interested in counting on the Nigerian's services. However, the amount that Atalanta is asking for (at least 50 'kilos' net) is far from the budget that the Blaugrana club manages.

The Blaugrana team has considered looking for an alternative to Robert Lewandowski, but their financial situation has been the main impediment to going for a player with similar characteristics to the Pole.

Lookman, for his part, was an interesting alternative for the left wing. Finally, the 'culés' opted for Marcus Rashford, who managed to resolve his loan departure from Manchester United, after a salary reduction.

Atalanta fans, upset with Lookman

Recently, journalist Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini published on the social network X a photo of a banner on the Atalanta training ground that reads: "It's enough. Unworthy agents and ungrateful players, respect the fans and those who have supported you".

In that sense, there is discontent on the part of the Atalanta fans for the attitude taken by Lookman. Not only because he asked to leave, but because he would go to a direct rival for the fight for the Scudetto. In addition, the striker still has two years remaining on his contract.

The Bergamo team finished in third place in the standings in the last season of Serie A and is a team that has taken prominence in the last five years, both nationally and internationally.

It is worth remembering when Atalanta took over the 23/24 edition of the Europa League after defeating Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, with an undisputed protagonist: Ademola Lookman, who scored a 'hat-trick' in the final. In just one year, the Nigerian went from idol to villain.