Atalanta President shuts down Napoli’s interest in Ademola Lookman

Jan 29, 2026 - 18:30
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Atalanta President shuts down Napoli’s interest in Ademola Lookman

Atalanta President Luca Percassi has played down Napoli's interest in Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, clarifying he's not for sale, Soccernet.ng reports.

Antonio Conte's side were keen on making a move for the former Fulham winger during the summer transfer window, but he turned them down as he wanted to join Inter Milan.

Atalanta, meanwhile, made it clear that Lookman wouldn't be joining another Italian side. In an attempt to force a move, the 28-year-old chose not to train with the rest of the team.

The decision backfired as he lost his form, alongside his fitness, and he struggled for goals when he was finally reinstated into the first team.

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman
Ademola Olajide Lookman Nigeria looks on during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Mozambique and Nigeria. Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi/IMAGO

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Napoli reignite their pursuit of Ademola Lookman

The AFCON 2025 tournament was a good break from club football for Lookman. The 2024 CAF Player of the Year was the player with the most goal contributions in Morocco, and that has put him on the radar of several top clubs again.

Napoli have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League this season despite Antonio Conte's plea for reinforcements in the transfer market.

With success in Europe out of the picture, the Napoli bosses are now prepared to back Conte with signings, so they can at least achieve something in the league.

Napoli. Super Eagles.
Napoli, Super Eagles. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
The reigning Scudetto winners are currently nine points behind league leaders Napoli; hence, their pursuit of Lookman.

As per Fanta Calcio, the idea of the Nigerian has been floated in Naples again, and they're prepared to launch a loan bid for the one-time UEFA Europa League winner.

However, should the attempt fail, they have other options on their list; Sporting Lisbon's Alisson Santos and Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Martin Terrier are other targets for Napoli.

Ademola Lookman during the Serie A soccer match between Atalanta and Ac Milan
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman during the Serie A soccer match between Atalanta and Ac Milan at the New Balance Stadium in Bergamo. Copyright: xSpada/LaPressexIMAGO

Atalanta: Luca Percassi shuns Lookman's exit

Prior to Atalanta's loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in their final UEFA Champions League group phase game, the club President Percassi, addressed transfer talks linking Lookman to Turkey and other clubs.

“Does Lookman stay until the end of the season? The arrival of Raspadori was a market opportunity that did not presuppose the disposal of another player,” the 45-year-old said in quotes revealed by FC Inter.

“We are happy that Giacomo [Raspadori] has chosen Atalanta, he is an important player like Ademola, who tonight returns to be the starter. We just want to do well, in short,” Luca Percassi concluded.

Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring in the Nigeria vs Tanzania
Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring in the Nigeria vs Tanzania African Cup of Nations 2025 clash. Credit: ImagoxVictor Modo

Lookman has yet to start a game for Atalanta since he returned from the AFCON 2025 tournament, but the club's head coach, Raffaele Palladino, clarified he's only trying to manage the load on the Nigerian to prevent an injury.

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