Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has publicly set out two key conditions for star winger Ademola Lookman’s summer exit effectively shutting the door on a high profile transfer to Italian rivals Inter Milan.
The transfer saga surrounding Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has taken a dramatic turn after Atalanta chief Luca Percassi confirmed the club’s stance: Lookman will only be allowed to leave Bergamo this summer if two strict conditions agreed upon with the player are met.
According to Percassi, Atalanta had promised Lookman an exit, but this promise was conditional on two main points: he can only depart for a “super, top European club,” and he is not permitted to join another Serie A team out of respect for his contributions to Atalanta and what the club has given him in return.
This unequivocal message means that Inter Milan, who have tabled bids as high as €45 million including bonuses, stand no chance of landing the forward.
READ ALSO:Lookman delivers Europa League title to Atlanta
Tensions flared earlier this week when Lookman, frustrated by the rejected Inter bids, lashed out at Atalanta’s hierarchy and ultimately skipped pre-season training a bold move interpreted as an attempt to force a transfer. Lookman claimed Atalanta had “blocked the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,” and accused the club of poor treatment, escalating the standoff.
Despite Inter agreeing personal terms with Lookman and remaining keen on the deal, Percassi’s statement leaves no ambiguity:
> “He would never be seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta’s, given what he did for the club and what he received from the club.”
The player, under contract until 2027, is now free to negotiate with clubs abroad that meet the “super club” standard, but a transfer within Italy no matter the fee remains off-limits.
As negotiations drag on and Lookman’s absence from training draws headlines, the impasse puts all eyes on whether a major European club from outside Serie A will meet Atalanta’s demands… and end the standoff that has captivated the summer transfer window.
FOOTBALL ITALIA
