Ademola Lookman’s salvation to be stalled by Super Eagles’ bid for 4th AFCON title

Ademola Lookman’s potential involvement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco could prove a stumbling block to any hopes of a mid-season move away from Atalanta.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year had courted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs during the summer, yet his future remains cloudy after no deal materialised before the transfer window slammed shut. 

Inter Milan led the chase, with Bayern Munich circling as well, but neither were able to prise him out of Bergamo. Inter even put forward an offer of around €42 million plus bonuses, but Atalanta would not budge. Their stance was not one of haggling for a higher price; it was simple refusal. 

The message from club president Antonio Percassi was clear: Lookman would not be sold to a domestic rival under any circumstances.

Lookman and Atalanta: A strained relationship

The 27-year-old has yet to kick a ball for Atalanta this season, his absence explained away by whispers of a fallout behind the scenes. Yet, even without minutes at club level, he was still trusted to start for Nigeria in the September World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin has poured cold water on talk of a January escape, pointing directly to AFCON as the decisive factor. 

“He definitely won’t leave in January because they have the African Cup of Nations,” Biasin told FCInter1908. “Atalanta did not reject Inter’s bid to push for more money, they rejected it because they will not sell him to Italy. Percassi hasn’t changed his mind, and I doubt he will.”

Lookman is unlikely to be included in Atalanta's travelling squad for their UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening.