Ademola Lookman removed from Atalanta squad amidst transfer standoff

Ademola Lookman’s rocky summer has taken another twist, with Atalanta leaving the Nigerian forward out of their 23-man squad for the opening game of the Serie A season against newly-promoted Pisa.

The omission comes after weeks of transfer drama, failed negotiations, and a growing rift between player and club.

The Super Eagles star was at the centre of a €45m bid from Inter Milan earlier in the summer, but Atalanta rejected the offer.

Frustrated, Lookman submitted a formal transfer request and released a statement accusing the club of broken promises and poor treatment both professionally and personally.

CEO Luca Percassi later admitted there had been an agreement to let the winger leave, but only if a suitable offer arrived from a top club outside Serie A.

While awaiting a move, Lookman took an unauthorised two-week break in the UK, expecting Inter to finalise a deal.

However, the Nerazzurri abandoned their pursuit and switched focus to signing midfielder Andy Diouf. That left Lookman in limbo, now training individually and frozen out of competitive action.

Despite his absence, Ivan Juric’s squad has plenty of fresh faces. New arrivals Nikola Krstovic, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and teenage prospect Honest Ahanor all made the cut.

Italy internationals Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca, both returning from injury-hit campaigns, were also included.

Atalanta’s confirmed squad includes a mix of youth and experience, but the glaring omission of Lookman signals a tense standoff that could define the rest of his season.