Reigning CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman is set to face heavy sanctions from Atalanta after staging a two-week training strike in an attempt to force through a move to Inter Milan — a transfer that has now collapsed beyond repair.
The Nigerian forward resurfaced at Atalanta’s Zingonia training headquarters on Monday, where he held talks with club CEO Antonio Percassi about his future, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The Nigerian forward has resurfaced at Atalanta’s headquarters in Zingonia,” the Italian outlet reported, confirming that Inter had formally withdrawn their interest after weeks of tense negotiations.
Collapsed Move to Inter
Inter had already agreed personal terms with Lookman on a five-year deal, but Percassi stood firm, refusing to sanction a move to another Italian club.
Although the CEO had previously indicated Lookman could leave in 2025, he insisted that promise did not extend to domestic rivals.
That stance infuriated Lookman, who accused Atalanta of breaking their word, in protest, he staged a two-week training strike, refusing to attend sessions or present a medical certificate.
During that period, he also deleted all Atalanta-related photos from his social media accounts.
Atalanta, however, rejected Inter’s latest €45m bid, leading the Nerazzurri to walk away, Sporting director Piero Ausilio and president Beppe Marotta subsequently shifted focus to other transfer targets.
“Negotiations with Atalanta are completely frozen,” reported transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the deal was “OFF.”
Atalanta Prepare Sanctions
Lookman’s absence has left the Bergamo club unimpressed, La Gazzetta reported that Atalanta will fine the forward for failing to notify his absence, dock his wages for missed days, and could also demand a public apology as part of the disciplinary process.
“They will not let it slide. Sanctions are coming,” the paper stated.
Despite the row, Atalanta are mindful of not pushing their star too far, head coach Ivan Juric has privately warned that losing Lookman, following the shock sale of Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui, would cost the team “90 per cent of their goals.”
Delicate Road Ahead
The situation leaves both sides in a fragile position, Atalanta cannot afford to weaken their attack ahead of a demanding season, while Lookman — who is expected to feature for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month and Africa Cup of Nations in December — needs to maintain form and fitness.
A reintegration plan remains on the table, with the possibility of restoring Lookman to the starting XI once disciplinary matters are resolved.
For now, the 26-year-old faces the dual challenge of repairing his fractured relationship with Atalanta and rebuilding his reputation after one of Serie A’s most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer.