Atalanta CEO Sets High Standard To Allow Lookman’s Potential Transfer.
Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi has made a bold statement regarding the future of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, declaring that the 27-year-old will only be permitted to leave the club this summer if a “super top club” from outside Italy meets their strict conditions. The announcement comes amid growing speculation about Lookman’s next move, with the player himself pushing for a transfer.
Percassi’s comments, made during a press conference to unveil new goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, clarified a pact established with Lookman last year. Following a rejected €20 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, Atalanta promised the forward he could depart in 2025, but only to a top-tier European club not competing in Serie A. “We told him: we’ll let you leave in 2025 for a super top club and not in Italy,” Percassi stated, addressing the media. He emphasised that Atalanta retains full control over any transfer, underscoring the club’s commitment to their strategic vision.
The situation has been complicated by interest from Inter Milan, who reportedly tabled a €45 million offer, including bonuses, which was swiftly turned down. Lookman, frustrated by what he perceives as broken promises, took to social media to express his discontent, accusing Atalanta of treating him poorly “as a human being and professional footballer.” The forward, who has been a pivotal figure for Atalanta since joining in 2022, also submitted a formal transfer request, escalating tensions. His actions on Instagram, including deleting all posts related to Atalanta and removing the club’s name from his bio, signalled his desire for a new chapter.
Lookman’s contributions to Atalanta have been significant, with 52 goals in 117 matches and a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, securing the club’s first-ever European trophy against Bayer Leverkusen. His performances earned him the African Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest talents. However, Percassi’s stance is clear: any move must align with the club’s conditions, ruling out a transfer to rivals like Inter or Juventus, with the latter also linked to a potential €50 million deal.
The transfer saga remains fluid, with clubs outside Italy now on high alert. Atalanta’s firm stance reflects their ambition to maintain a competitive edge while commanding a premium for their star player. As negotiations continue, Lookman’s future hangs in the balance, with the football world watching closely to see which “super top club” might secure his signature.