Lookman: ‘Formal transfer request, Atalanta left me no choice’ | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman confirmed he ‘handed in a formal transfer request’ to Atalanta, complaining they are ‘blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand’ to join Inter.

The Nigeria international made it abundantly clear he wants to make the move to San Siro, feeling the offer of €45m including add-ons is sufficient to get a deal over the line.

After reports this afternoon that he sent in a transfer request, he confirmed it with a statement on his Instagram account.

Lookman statement confirms transfer request

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC reacts after against goal during the Serie A match between Empoli and Atalanta at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication.

“I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

“Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived and I’ve always tried to repay that love – even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.

“That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.

epa11685824 Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring the 5-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona, in Bergamo, Italy, 26 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.

Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.

“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough.

“I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.

“Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.

“To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.

“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible.

“With love and gratitude, Ademola.”

The rapport between Lookman and Atalanta had begun to crumble last year, when he tried to push through a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the club held firm.

It then collapsed completely in the Champions League play-off elimination at the hands of Club Brugge in February when he insisted on taking a crucial penalty, which was saved by Simon Mignolet.

epa11761239 Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan, in Bergamo, Italy, 06 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini then confirmed in his press conference that Lookman was not supposed to step up, as he was “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” with a terrible record in training.

Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere were supposed to be ahead of him in the ranking for that role.

Gasperini’s departure has done little to calm the storm between the club and player, however, as he seems determined to join Inter.

Now the Nigeria international is trying to force through the transfer to Inter, much like Teun Koopmeiners did with Juventus last summer.