'We must have players ready to give 100% for shirt' — Atalanta CEO joins coach to slam Lookman

Ademola Lookman’s situation at Atalanta is reaching a breaking point after a summer of tension and transfer rumours.

Now, both CEO Luca Percassi and head coach Ivan Juric are openly criticising the Nigerian forward’s commitment and attitude as his exile from the squad continues.

Speaking before Atalanta’s clash against Lecce, Percassi made it clear that the club is united on its stance regarding Lookman.

“Lookman? I don’t have much to add to what Juric has already said, we are fully aligned with him. We know how important Lookman is for Atalanta, but to respect our fundamental principles we must have players ready to give 100% for the shirt,” he told DAZN.

The CEO added that the decision to exclude the 27-year-old was deliberate and necessary, reinforcing the message that no individual is bigger than the team.

Lookman’s continued omission follows a turbulent summer in which a transfer to Inter collapsed, leaving the forward frustrated and reportedly disconnected from Atalanta’s plans.

Juric, who has now left Lookman out of every matchday squad this season, echoed those sentiments in his pre-match press conference.

“Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” he said, stressing that the issue is no longer fitness but mentality. The coach explained that Atalanta demands “spirit, humility, passion for the shirt,” and admitted he should not have to “beg” a player to give his all.

He noted that while his personal relationship with Lookman remains cordial, professional expectations must come first.

With the forward having missed pre-season, trained separately in the UK, and only rejoined the squad days before the Serie A opener, doubts over his long-term future are mounting. Unless Lookman buys into the values Juric insists are non-negotiable, a January departure from Bergamo now looks likely.