Raspadori signing not enough to free Lookman from Atalanta according to club president

Ademola Lookman’s electric AFCON 2025 showing has reignited transfer speculation around the Super Eagles star, with Napoli among the clubs circling.

However, Atalanta president Luca Percassi has moved to cool talk of a January exit, insisting the club has no plans to sacrifice Lookman despite recent recruitment.

Lookman returned from AFCON 2025 as one of the tournament’s standout performers, finishing as the player with the most goal contributions and further cementing his status as one of Africa’s elite attackers. 

The 2024 CAF Player of the Year used the competition as a springboard, and his form has once again put him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.

Napoli and Fenerbahce, in particular, are monitoring the situation closely. After their early Champions League exit, Antonio Conte has pushed for reinforcements, while Fenerbahce are keen to catch up with Galatasaray at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig. 

According to reports from Fanta Calcio, Napoli are considering a loan move for Lookman, with Sporting Lisbon’s Alisson Santos and Bayer Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier also on their shortlist as alternatives. 

The interest underlines how highly rated Lookman remains after his AFCON exploits and consistent club-level performances.

Despite the speculation, Atalanta president Luca Percassi has made it clear that the club is not preparing for Lookman’s departure. Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s Champions League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise, Percassi addressed rumours linking the Nigerian to Turkey and other destinations.

He explained that the signing of Giacomo Raspadori should not be interpreted as a signal that another key attacker is set to leave. 

“The arrival of Raspadori was a market opportunity that did not presuppose the disposal of another player,” Percassi said, stressing that Atalanta view both Raspadori and Lookman as important pieces of their squad.

Percassi added that the club is pleased with Raspadori’s decision to join and reiterated his confidence in Lookman’s role, stating that the Nigerian remains central to their plans. 

Meanwhile, head coach Raffaele Palladino has clarified that Lookman’s limited starts since returning from AFCON are down to careful load management, not any intention to sideline or sell him

Raspadori signing not enough to free Lookman from Atalanta according to club president

Introduction

Ademola Lookman’s electric AFCON 2025 showing has reignited transfer speculation around the Super Eagles star, with Napoli among the clubs circling. However, Atalanta president Luca Percassi has moved to cool talk of a January exit, insisting the club has no plans to sacrifice Lookman despite recent recruitment.

Napoli circle after AFCON heroics and European exit

Lookman returned from AFCON 2025 as one of the tournament’s standout performers, finishing as the player with the most goal contributions and further cementing his status as one of Africa’s elite attackers.

The 2024 CAF Player of the Year used the competition as a springboard, and his form has once again put him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.

Napoli and Fenerbahce, in particular, are monitoring the situation closely. After their early Champions League exit, Antonio Conte has pushed for reinforcements, while Fenerbahce are keen to catch up with Galatasaray at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig.

According to reports from Fanta Calcio, Napoli are considering a loan move for Lookman, with Sporting Lisbon’s Alisson Santos and Bayer Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier also on their shortlist as alternatives.

The interest underlines how highly rated Lookman remains after his AFCON exploits and consistent club-level performances.

Percassi shuts down exit talk despite Raspadori arrival

Despite the speculation, Atalanta president Luca Percassi has made it clear that the club is not preparing for Lookman’s departure. Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s Champions League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise, Percassi addressed rumours linking the Nigerian to Turkey and other destinations.

He explained that the signing of Giacomo Raspadori should not be interpreted as a signal that another key attacker is set to leave.

“The arrival of Raspadori was a market opportunity that did not presuppose the disposal of another player,” Percassi said, stressing that Atalanta view both Raspadori and Lookman as important pieces of their squad.

Percassi added that the club is pleased with Raspadori’s decision to join and reiterated his confidence in Lookman’s role, stating that the Nigerian remains central to their plans.

Meanwhile, head coach Raffaele Palladino has clarified that Lookman’s limited starts since returning from AFCON are down to careful load management, not any intention to sideline or sell him