Ademola Lookman’s position at Atalanta is approaching a critical juncture following a summer filled with tension and transfer speculation. Currently, both CEO Luca Percassi and head coach Ivan Juric are openly questioning the Nigerian forward’s dedication and attitude as his exclusion from the team persists.
Before Atalanta’s match against Lecce, Percassi emphasized that the club stands united in its perspective on Lookman.
”Lookman? I don’t have much to add to what Juric has already stated; we are completely in agreement with him. We recognize how vital Lookman is for Atalanta, but to uphold our core principles, we need players who are willing to give 100% for the team,” he conveyed to DAZN.
The CEO further mentioned that the choice to omit the 27-year-old was intentional and essential, reinforcing the idea that no single player is greater than the team.
Lookman’s ongoing exclusion follows a tumultuous summer during which a transfer to Inter fell through, leaving the forward feeling frustrated and reportedly alienated from Atalanta’s plans.
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Juric, who has excluded Lookman from every matchday squad this season, reiterated these thoughts in his pre-match press conference.
”Ademola will not be prepared for tomorrow,” he stated, emphasizing that the concern is no longer about fitness but rather mentality. The coach clarified that Atalanta requires “spirit, humility, and passion for the shirt,” and acknowledged that he should not have to “beg” a player to give his all.
He pointed out that while his personal rapport with Lookman remains amicable, professional standards must take precedence.
With the forward having missed pre-season, trained separately in the UK, and only rejoined the team days before the Serie A opener, concerns regarding his long-term future are escalating. Unless Lookman embraces the values that Juric insists are non-negotiable, a departure from Bergamo in January appears increasingly probable.
