Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has spoken publicly about the ongoing saga involving star forward Ademola Lookman, urging that fans should not be the ones to suffer in the drawn-out transfer tussle.
Lookman has been pushing for a move away from Bergamo since last season, but with just seven days left before the transfer window closes, the Nigerian international remains at Atalanta against his wishes.
As reported by Sport buddy, Ademola Lookman was banished from the first team
Broken Promises and Failed Bids
The 27-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 41 appearances last season, reportedly accused the Atalanta hierarchy of breaking a promise to allow him to leave this summer.
Earlier in the window, top European clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona were linked with him, but none submitted formal offers.
Inter Milan appeared closest, agreeing personal terms with Lookman and tabling a €45 million bid. Atalanta, however, rejected the approach, holding firm on their €55 million valuation. With Inter now out of the race, Lookman’s options have dwindled.
Juric: “Fans Pay the Price”
Ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A opener against newly promoted Pisa, Juric reflected on the impact of the ongoing impasse:
- “The Lookman situation is typical of the transfer market in recent years. These situations punish the fans, while the player and the club look after their own interest. The fans put their heart and soul into it, and so they feel bad. The battle is between emotions and cool heads.”
While Lookman has returned to training, uncertainty remains over his immediate future. Should no late offers emerge, he may be forced to stay another season in Bergamo, with hopes of securing a big move in January or next summer.
