Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta’s main squad after weeks of tension over his future in Italian football. The Nigerian attacker had been pushing for a move to Inter Milan during the summer, but after the transfer failed to materialize, he has now been welcomed back by the Bergamo club.
Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta became strained in August. Following disagreements with the management, he was removed from full training and asked to work separately. The forward added fuel to the rumors by removing team-related posts from his social media accounts. Inter tried to sign him with an offer believed to be around €45 million, but the proposal was rejected outright. Atalanta made it clear they had no intention of losing one of their most valuable players.
Their position is understandable considering the 27-year-old’s influence last season. Lookman scored 20 times across all competitions, proving himself as one of the most decisive players in the squad. His speed, creativity, and eye for goal were central to Atalanta’s progress both domestically and in Europe, making him difficult to replace.
This is not the first time the forward has faced uncertainty at the club. A similar situation unfolded in 2024, when he was excluded until the close of the transfer market before rejoining the squad and going on to make a strong impact. The latest episode feels like a repeat, with the player once again back in the team after weeks of uncertainty.
His return comes immediately after international duty with Nigeria. During the World Cup qualifying matches, he played 75 minutes against Rwanda and completed the entire game against South Africa. Those appearances showed he is in good physical shape, though Atalanta are expected to reintegrate him gradually to avoid unnecessary risk.
He is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Serie A clash with Lecce, but he may be included in the traveling squad when Atalanta open their Champions League campaign against Paris Saint-Germain. His presence strengthens coach Ivan Juric’s options in attack, where he can be paired with Gianluca Scamacca or Charles De Ketelaere.
Despite his return, questions about his future remain. Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Juventus have placed Lookman at the top of their transfer list as they prepare for life after Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker is expected to leave when his contract expires in 2026, and Juventus are already looking at possible replacements.
Lookman’s deal with Atalanta runs until 2027, but his unsettled summer means the possibility of an early exit cannot be ruled out. A January move is possible, depending on negotiations. Juventus are monitoring the situation closely while also keeping an eye on other strikers, including Scamacca, Santiago Castro, Matteo Pellegrino, Gonçalo Ramos, Emanuel Emegha, George Ilenikhena, and Joshua Zirkzee.
For now, Lookman’s return offers a major boost to Atalanta’s season. Still, the question of whether he will commit long-term or seek a fresh challenge is likely to remain a talking point throughout the year.
