Ivan Juric, the manager of Atalanta, has spoken out over Ademola Lookman’s return to the team, claiming that the Nigerian attacker was misled during his unsuccessful summer transfer attempt to Inter Milan.
Ademola Lookman was reportedly barred from Atalanta’s first three Serie A games after exercising apart from the team in an attempt to push through a transfer to San Siro. However, the club remained steadfast and declined to fortify a direct adversary.
The 27-year-old resumed training after the transfer window closed and made his season debut in Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Torino, entering as a substitute in the 87th minute after Kamaldeen Sulemana and Nikola Krstovic (2) had sealed the victory.
Following the game, Juric disclosed that Lookman had taken the initiative to speak to him and his colleagues over the transfer saga. The Croatian coach expressed his annoyance at the Super Eagles star’s advisors.
On Monday, he addressed the team and myself. According to Juric, who was quoted by FotMob, “He was surrounded by people who had given him some bad advice.”
“We need to get him back in shape physically because he has a great winning mentality.”
Lookman and Atalanta have been at odds since August, when the winger traveled to the UK to continue practicing alone after accusing the team of unjust treatment in a series of social media posts.
Days before the season began, he returned to Bergamo after no contract came through.
Despite Juric’s decision to forgive, some supporters are not convinced. “No. 11 reintegrated, but for us, you remain ungrateful,” was the stark message of a banner that was put up in the city this week.
With Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca dealing with fitness concerns, Juric’s willingness to reintegrate Lookman could prove vital.
Lookman is anticipated to be a key player in the upcoming weeks after scoring 20 goals the previous season and a hat-trick in the 2023–2024 Europa League final.
Atalanta will return to European action on Tuesday when they play Club Brugge in the Champions League after visiting Juventus in Turin on Saturday.
