Ademola Lookman has reportedly left the city of Bergamo and gone completely off the radar, as tensions with Atalanta reach breaking point and a €50m move to Inter Milan hangs in the balance, Bold Sports reports.
The Nigerian forward has now missed training for two consecutive days and cleared out all his personal belongings from the club’s Zingonia training camp, signaling what appears to be a total breakdown in his relationship with the Serie A club.
The reigning African Player of the Year is said to be on strike, and according to Corriere dello Sport, not even Atalanta officials know his whereabouts — only his agent is currently in contact with him. His absence is being interpreted as a deliberate move to force a transfer to Inter, who remain locked in negotiations after their initial €45 million bid, including add-ons, was rejected by Atalanta.
Inter are reportedly preparing an improved offer of €46m plus a youth player to reach the €50m valuation. However, Atalanta had previously made it clear that they would not sell the Nigerian international to a fellow Serie A club, despite having an informal agreement to allow him to leave this summer for the right price. The dispute over destination is believed to be one of the key reasons for Lookman’s frustration and drastic actions.
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Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs until June 2027, with an option for an additional year. While Atalanta have not yet taken disciplinary action, the club could begin docking his wages if he misses a third consecutive appointment, as per Italian employment laws, which require a 48-hour gap between sessions. His current salary is estimated at €1.8m net per season.
Meanwhile, legal experts suggest Lookman could pursue contract termination under European labor law. Player agent Andrea D’Amico referenced the Lassana Diarra case, in which the European Court of Justice ruled that some FIFA transfer restrictions violated EU law.
D’Amico told Radio Kiss Kiss that the same principle could apply to Lookman’s case, despite his non-EU status, as recent rulings have equated the rights of non-EU and EU players in labor-related football cases. “After the Diarra case, he could also decide to rescind the contract, which would give Atalanta compensation,” D’Amico said.
Reports from Sky Sport Italia confirm that Lookman’s locker has been emptied and describe the standoff as a “total break-up” between player and club.
The Super Eagles star has refused to speak directly with Atalanta officials and is allowing his agent to lead all negotiations. With just weeks left in the summer transfer window, the pressure is mounting on all parties to find a resolution — one that may now require legal intervention if Lookman’s absence continues.
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