‘Whenever Ademola Lookman is ready’ – Suffering Atalanta eager for reconciliation with outcast

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has finally addressed the ongoing saga surrounding Ademola Lookman, leaving fans wondering if the Nigerian star will soon return to first-team action. 

The winger’s summer transfer drama dominated the club’s headlines, as he attempted to force a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan. The stunt, which saw Lookman hand in a transfer request and abstain from training for two full weeks, failed to secure the transfer, and since then, he has been sidelined from Atalanta’s starting XI.

Manager Ivan Juric has made it clear he will not beg the player, and Percassi has echoed that sentiment, stressing that Lookman must demonstrate full commitment before being reintegrated into the squad.

“You cannot go back and change the past, so we will focus on the present and future,” Percassi said in a Sky Sport Italia interview. “We all know how good Ademola is, but to play for Atalanta, you must be 100 per cent focused. When he feels ready to do that, we are waiting for him with open arms.”

How Atalanta have fared without Lookman

The impact of his absence has been palpable. Atalanta have struggled to find rhythm, managing just one victory in their opening four fixtures. 

The team endured a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, a match that highlighted how vital Lookman’s attacking threat has been to the 2024 Europa League champions. 

Without the 27-year-old’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess, Atalanta’s early-season form has been underwhelming. In Serie A, the club has recorded just one win alongside two draws, while in the Champions League, they have yet to find the net in their opening match, suffering a heavy loss to PSG. 

Lookman, who netted 20 goals in 41 appearances last season, represents a significant boost in attack, and his return could be the spark Juric needs to stabilize La Dea’s campaign.