Ademola Lookman’s reintegration into Atalanta’s senior squad has sparked controversy among some fans, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Nigerian forward’s anticipated return to Atalanta’s first team has been met with resistance from a faction of supporters, who recently displayed a banner in Bergamo labeling him as ‘ungrateful.’
Since the beginning of the season, the 26-year-old had been sidelined following a tense dispute with the club’s management.
In August, Lookman formally requested a transfer after Atalanta turned down a €45 million offer from Inter Milan. He then publicly criticized the club’s handling of his situation in a detailed Instagram statement.
Opting out of most pre-season activities, the Super Eagles winger spent several weeks in England before rejoining the team just days prior to the Serie A opener. Head coach Ivan Juric excluded him from all matchday squads until recently, when Lookman was finally welcomed back into first-team training.
However, not all fans have embraced this move. A provocative banner in Bergamo read:
“Number 11 is back, but in our eyes, you remain ungrateful.”
The “Vecchia Guardia” Atalanta fan group’s reaction to Lookman’s squad reinstatement ahead of the Atalanta vs Torino match #Lookman #Atalanta pic.twitter.com/cZA5fTP7F1
– Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini (@APaglia7) September 20, 2025
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Atalanta’s president, Antonio Percassi, has sought to ease tensions by confirming Lookman’s return while emphasizing the importance of dedication.
“We recognize his talent, but playing here demands full commitment. When he’s ready to give his all, we will welcome him back wholeheartedly,” Percassi stated to the press.
Lookman’s trajectory remains under close observation. Despite the internal conflict, he has maintained form representing Nigeria in World Cup qualifying matches.
Meanwhile, Atalanta balances their Serie A goals alongside European fixtures, and coach Juric might soon tap into Lookman’s dynamic speed and inventive attacking skills.
During the previous campaign, Lookman emerged as one of Atalanta’s most influential contributors, ranking as their second top scorer and netting vital goals in European contests. His comeback could inject fresh energy into the squad, though repairing his strained rapport with fans remains uncertain.
Currently reinstated in the team, Lookman’s future at Atalanta is still a subject of speculation-whether supporters will embrace him again or if transfer rumors will resurface come January is yet to unfold.
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