Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian Super Eagles winger, has removed all Instagram content linked to his Italian club, Atalanta, as transfer disputes intensify after the club rejected a bid from Inter Milan.
On Friday, August 1, Atalanta declined a €42 million offer, plus €3 million in add-ons, from Inter Milan for the 27-year-old forward. Despite reports that Lookman had agreed to personal terms with Inter, Atalanta is standing firm on its €60 million valuation.
In an apparent reaction to the stalled transfer, Lookman unfollowed Atalanta on Instagram and erased the club’s name from his bio. He also deleted several posts, including those showing him in the club’s jersey, and changed his profile picture, which previously featured him in Atalanta colours.
Lookman was notably absent from Atalanta’s squad for their pre-season match against RB Leipzig in Germany on Saturday, August 2. Local reports suggest he is dealing with a calf injury and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
The Nigerian international signed with Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €10.8 million. He has since emerged as one of the club’s standout players, netting 52 goals in 118 appearances. Lookman’s defining moment came in the 2023/24 Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to clinch Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.
He currently holds the CAF African Footballer of the Year award, having succeeded fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen, who received the honour in 2023.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli