Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has made it clear that he will not “beg” Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to play for the club, despite the player’s recent return to first-team training. The statement comes after a summer of transfer drama that saw Lookman reportedly submit a transfer request in an attempt to force a move away from Bergamo.
Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, was a target for several top European clubs during the transfer window, with Inter Milan among those to have made multiple approaches. However, Atalanta rejected all offers, insisting that the 27-year-old would only be allowed to leave for a significant permanent fee.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture against Lecce, Juric described the situation as “unpleasant” but stressed that the club’s values of hard work and humility are paramount. “With Lookman, I have a very good relationship, but I don’t have to beg him to play,” Juric said. “On the contrary, we are Atalanta, and we represent the city. We need what Atalanta represents: work, humility. They are different values. I do not have to pray to anyone.”
While Lookman has been reintegrated into full training, he will not be included in the squad for the match against Lecce. The club is reportedly managing his return carefully to ensure a smooth reintegration and maintain positive dressing room dynamics.
With the transfer window now closed, Lookman’s future at the club remains uncertain. His role in the team is expected to depend on how quickly he embraces the manager’s philosophy and proves his commitment on the pitch.
