Why Lookman skipped training last summer: Romano reveals secret deal between forward and Atalanta

Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the transfer saga involving Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman in the weeks leading up to the close of the 2024 summer transfer window.

The African Footballer of the Year had been linked with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in August but the coach of the capital club, Luis Enrique chose to fill the gap left by Gonçalo Ramos' injury with players already on the team.

Speaking to Viva el Futbol, Romano revealed that Lookman’s future with the 2023-2024 Europa League winners could take a decisive turn this summer, with tensions already having flared behind the scenes last August.

The Italian transfer market guru added that in the summer of 2023, Lookman reportedly had a verbal agreement with Atalanta that he would be allowed to leave in 2024 for a fee in the range of €30-35 million. 

However, as the months passed, that valuation became unrealistic following his heroics in the Europa League final, where he netted a historic hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. 

By the time Paris Saint-Germain put that amount on the table, Atalanta were unwilling to entertain offers, given they were already preparing to sell Teun Koopmeiners.

This situation led to a period of unrest, with Lookman even skipping training sessions in protest. 

Though the tension eventually eased, Romano suggests that Lookman’s desire for a transfer has not faded.

With the summer window approaching, Atalanta may now be forced to honour their earlier agreement with Lookman or prepare for another contentious standoff.

After missing six consecutive games due to a knee injury, the Nigeria international is set to make his comeback in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Club Brugge. 

Lookman will enter the last one year of his contract with Atalanta at the end of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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