Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is set to return to Atalanta training after a turbulent summer that concluded in his missing out on a much-anticipated transfer away from Bergamo, Footynaija.com understands.
The Nigerian international spent much of the summer at odds with the club after attempting to engineer a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan. Lookman had reportedly agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri, who made multiple approaches for his signature.
However, Atalanta refused to sanction the deal, holding firm on a €50 million valuation and unwilling to strengthen a direct domestic competitor. This forced Inter Milan to abandon talks and focus on other targets.
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Lookman, frustrated by the club’s stance, took drastic measures to force an exit, and the club consequently sidelined him from first-team activities. Atalanta went even further and threatened disciplinary action as tensions between both parties escalated.
Despite the fallout, Atalanta are now ready to welcome Lookman back into the squad under new head coach Ivan Juric according to reports from Italian media outlet Gazzetta.
The 27-year-old, who featured prominently for Nigeria during the CAF World Cup qualifiers, will undergo some assessments under the watchful eyes of the Croatian tactician while he works on regaining match fitness.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig has enjoyed three highly productive years in Bergamo, where he delivered goals, assists and helped La Dea to European success.
With Atalanta enduring a winless start to the 2025/2026 Serie A season, reintegrating the reigning African Player of the Year could prove a timely boost for Juric and his men.
While Juric will have to decide if Lookman is fit enough to feature in this weekend’s clash against Lecce, the Super Eagles star’s return to training marks a fresh chapter.
For Atalanta, welcoming their talismanic forward back into the fold may be just what they need to turn their fortunes around.
