Zoyols Blog reports that what once looked like a perfect union between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta now seems to be reaching a breaking point. The Super Eagles forward who arrived in the summer of 2022 has enjoyed some unforgettable moments in Bergamo, including his stunning performance in the Europa League final in May 2024 when he sank unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen with a remarkable hat trick. That achievement placed him in the history books as the first player since 1975 to score three times in a major European final.
Since then, things have taken a different turn for the twenty eight year old. His time at Atalanta has been marked by tension with the club’s last two coaches and his situation has only grown more uncertain. Late last week during a Champions League group match against Marseille, Lookman was substituted by the then coach Ivan Juric and both men clashed as he made his way off the pitch. Atalanta went on to steal a late winner through Lazar Samardzic and the incident was briefly overshadowed by the result. However, Juric was relieved of his duties soon after a heavy league defeat to Sassuolo.
Lookman had already pushed for a move in the summer. Lengthy talks with Inter Milan could not produce an agreement and he remained in Bergamo. Atletico Madrid also monitored his situation. With only a limited time left on his contract and his value dropping, there is a growing sense that a resolution might come sooner rather than later.
A return to England now looks very possible. Tottenham are exploring options to strengthen their attack in the winter window and Lookman has emerged as a major target. Although he is not the typical age profile for the North London club, his quality on the left side of attack makes him one of the most attractive options available. He is also believed to feel that he has unfinished business in the Premier League after earlier spells with Charlton, Everton, Fulham and Leicester.
There is interest beyond England. Galatasaray’s General Secretary Eray Yazgan did not dismiss the possibility of the Nigerian joining fellow compatriot Victor Osimhen. The Turkish club had made contact in the last window but pulled out when Atalanta demanded a very high fee for the forward. When asked about the situation during a recent event, Yazgan noted that their squad was strong but hinted that they remain open to adding quality should their coach request it.
Lookman’s desire to leave was clear during the summer when he briefly refused to train following the failed Inter move. He was later brought back into the squad but the relationship with Juric never fully recovered. Their confrontation during the win over Marseille further widened the gap. With Juric gone and Raffaele Palladino now in charge, Lookman’s future still feels uncertain.
The Nigerian first caught widespread attention in England at nineteen when he joined Everton after impressing at Charlton Athletic. He announced himself with a memorable goal in a commanding win over Manchester City in 2017. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to find consistency which led to spells with Fulham, Leicester and RB Leipzig. It was in Atalanta colours that he truly found his best form, scoring twenty goals in one season and earning the CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
Reports gathered by Zoyols Blog suggest Tottenham are preparing an official bid ahead of the January window. Lookman has recorded fifty three goals and twenty five assists in one hundred and eighteen appearances for Atalanta and has shown the ability to play both wide and centrally. With Dominic Solanke battling fitness issues, Spurs manager Thomas Frank is keen on a forward who can provide goals and creativity.
The question now is whether Atalanta will agree to a reduced fee given the strained relationship between player and club and his clear reluctance to extend his stay beyond twenty twenty seven. For Lookman, the next chapter seems close and the coming weeks may finally determine where his career takes him next.
