Atalanta CEO: Lookman Can Only Leave for ‘Super Top Club’ Outside Italy

Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi has confirmed that Nigerian international Ademola Lookman will only be allowed to leave the club this summer if a transfer is secured to a top-tier club outside Italy, Sport360NG reports.

In a statement shared by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via X on Monday, Percassi revealed the club had reached an agreement with Lookman a year ago after rejecting a €20m offer from Paris Saint-Germain.

“The pact with Lookman was made one year ago when we rejected €20m from PSG. We told him: we’ll let you leave in 2025 for a super top club and not in Italy,” Percassi said. He added, “Now, the situation with Inter is different… and as always, it’s us deciding.”

The development comes after Lookman publicly criticised Atalanta, accusing the Serie A side of failing to honour previous promises concerning a possible summer exit.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the 27-year-old winger announced that he had formally requested a transfer, citing months of unmet assurances and what he described as poor treatment from the club.

The Super Eagles star played a key role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League success in the 2023/24 season. Reflecting on his time at the club, Lookman expressed disappointment at how things have unfolded despite his commitment.

“I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion, and dedication,” he said.

Lookman joined Atalanta in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s rise in recent seasons. His future now hinges on whether a suitable offer, and one aligned with the club’s stated conditions, materialises before the close of the transfer window.