Lookman set to leave Atalanta amid Gasperini rift

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is expected to leave the club this summer, with the Serie A side sticking to plans for his departure despite recent tensions with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday via X, Atalanta will attempt to clarify the situation with Gasperini within the next 24 hours following the coach’s strong remarks about Lookman’s penalty miss against Club Brugge.

However, the club’s long-term plans remain unchanged.

“Understand plan remains for Ademola Lookman to LEAVE Atalanta this summer. Atalanta will try to clarify the situation with Gasperini in the next 24h after strong quotes… but won’t change future plans. It was already planned last summer, transfer to happen this year,” Romano reported.

Lookman, who played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last May, found himself at the centre of controversy after missing a penalty in the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs yesterday.

Gasperini publicly criticised the Nigerian forward after the match, stating, “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen.”

The coach further claimed that Lookman took the penalty despite other designated takers being available.

“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did,” Gasperini added.

In response, Lookman issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, expressing disappointment over being singled out.

“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and the incredible fans of Bergamo,” he said.

Lookman also clarified that he had not defied team orders, revealing that the designated penalty taker had instructed him to take the shot.

“During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty, and to support the team, I took responsibility in the moment to do so,” he explained.

The forward admitted that he had endured difficult moments at the club but had always prioritised team success.

“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here—the majority of which I have never spoken about because, in my opinion, the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful,” he added.