How Atalanta botched Ademola Lookman’s transfer to six-time UCL champions last summer

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman was on the verge of joining German giants Bayern Munich last summer before Atalanta blocked the move, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Following two impressive campaigns at Atalanta —headlined by his hat-trick that secured Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League title—Lookman became one of the most sought-after names in Europe.

His performances drew heavy interest from heavyweights including Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

​The transfer saga was quite controversial and dragged on throughoutthe summer. While Inter Milan submitted a formal bid for the 28-year-old, the Bergamo side rejected the offer, deeming it insufficient. When the Nerazzurri refused to increase their valuation, the deal collapsed.

​In an attempt to force a move, Lookman even went on strike, absenting himself from training during the final days of the window.

Still, even with the pressure and a flurry of late-window speculation, Atalanta held firm. Lookman eventually went back into the squad once the deadline passed.

Ademola Lookman Could Have Joined Bayern Munich

​New reports from Fussball Transfers reveal that Bayern Munich came closest to securing his signature.

The six-time Champions League winners had reached an agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian international.

However, the deal fell through because Atalanta demanded an outright sale, while Bayern’s terms didn’t align with those expectations.

​Consequently, the Bavarians pivoted, signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea on a season-long loan instead.

​While he failed to get his summer move, Lookman finally secured a high-profile exit in January, completing a €35 million transfer to Atletico Madrid.

​Though he missed out on the chance to compete for a Bundesliga title this season, Lookman has found a welcoming home in Spain.

Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, who is a huge admirer of his work rate, the Nigerian remains in a strong position to challenge for silverware in La Liga and Europe.