Lookman given one condition for Atalanta return after summer transfer standoff

Ademola Lookman’s turbulent summer at Atalanta may finally give way to a return on the pitch, but only if he clears one final hurdle before the weekend.

Reports in Italy suggest the Nigerian forward could be back in the squad for Sunday’s Serie A clash with Lecce, provided he takes part in Saturday’s training session.

Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta took a dramatic turn during the transfer window. The 27-year-old submitted a formal transfer request after Inter Milan had a €45m offer rejected, a saga that quickly soured his ties with the club.

He publicly accused Atalanta of breaking promises and treating him poorly both professionally and personally.

In frustration, he returned to the UK, training on his own rather than joining his teammates in pre-season.

By the time he came back to Bergamo on August 19, the new Serie A campaign was already around the corner, and Atalanta had completed all their pre-season friendlies without him.

A move away failed to materialise, meaning Lookman remains part of Ivan Juric’s plans, even if the atmosphere around his stay is uneasy.

The Super Eagles star’s role in the squad is now under the microscope as the club tries to move forward after a tense standoff.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Lookman could return to action on Sunday against Lecce if he completes Atalanta’s final training session on Saturday.

The expectation within the club is that he will take part, and if so, he will be included in the matchday squad.

Lookman has kept up his sharpness on international duty, starting both of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers during the break, a 1-0 win over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw with South Africa. Now, the focus shifts to whether he can put his summer drama behind him and re-establish himself in Atalanta’s attack.