Ademola Lookman is back in Atalanta’s squad but his return has done little to mend fences with supporters, footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward has not featured since the end of last season after a turbulent summer in which he pushed for a move away from Bergamo. Inter Milan had a €45m bid turned down, prompting Lookman to hand in a transfer request and launch a public broadside against the club on Instagram.
The Super Eagles star then returned to England to train alone, rejoining Atalanta just five days before the Serie A campaign kicked off.
Ivan Juric has confirmed the 26-year-old is now available for Sunday’s trip to Torino, but admitted his condition is far from ideal.
“He spoke with me, the team, and my staff. He was very well received, and starting tomorrow, he’ll start being available to us,” Juric said as per Napoli Calcio24. “He’s not in the best condition, given that he’s been training alone so far. He did very well in training (Friday).”
Lookman’s reintegration has not gone down smoothly with everyone.
A banner unveiled in Bergamo this week branded him “ungrateful,” a reminder of the anger some fans still feel over his push to leave.
La risposta del gruppo “Vecchia Guardia” del tifo atalantino sul reintegro in rosa di #Lookman, alla vigilia del match tra #Atalanta e Torino pic.twitter.com/cZA5fTP7F1
— Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini (@APaglia7) September 20, 2025
The forward was Atalanta’s second-highest scorer last season and proved decisive in Europe, but with Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca both nursing fitness issues, his recall is as much about necessity as forgiveness.
Atalanta are chasing a top-four finish while balancing European commitments. Lookman’s pace and sharpness could yet provide a boost, if he can rebuild trust in Bergamo.