Atalanta Blocks Lookman’s Move to Inter Due to Rivalry Concerns

Bergamo: Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi stated that the club did not obstruct Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman’s transfer to Inter last week because they were unwilling to let him leave, but because they did not want him to join a rival club in Italy.

According to Ansa News Agency, Lookman had agreed to personal terms with Inter and expressed via social media that Atalanta had broken promises by denying the move, despite his transfer request.

In a statement, Percassi revealed that Lookman had initially requested a transfer last year when Paris Saint-Germain made a 20 million offer. He emphasized that Atalanta is a credible club with integrity, explaining that they had promised to sell Lookman under specific conditions. One crucial condition was that Lookman would not play for another Italian club while leaving Atalanta.

Lookman has been a significant asset to Atalanta since joining in 2022. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024 after helping the team secure the Europa League, highlighted by his hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, his contributions were instrumental in Atalanta’s third-place finish in Serie A last season, securing a spot in the Champions League.