Italian Serie A side Atalanta BC has confirmed the absence of Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, from their 23-man squad for the opening fixture of the 2025/2026 league campaign against newly-promoted Pisa. The squad announcement, made public yesterday evening, sparked fresh speculation surrounding the future of the Super Eagles star, who has reportedly been unsettled in Bergamo following a failed transfer move earlier in the summer window.
Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season — including a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen — was notably left out of the team list released by manager Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the matchday clash. While no official reason was given in the statement, insiders close to the club revealed that the decision is closely tied to the player’s recent efforts to push for a move away from the Gewiss Stadium.
Throughout the summer, Lookman has been linked with a number of top European sides, with Premier League clubs said to have shown strong interest in securing his services. However, Atalanta reportedly held firm, turning down multiple bids they deemed below valuation, insisting that the 27-year-old forward remains a key figure in their plans for the season.
Sources within the club, however, suggest that Lookman’s absence from the matchday squad is not due to injury or disciplinary action, but rather a tactical choice reflecting his current uncertain status within the team. It is believed that negotiations surrounding a potential late-window move are ongoing, with Lookman said to be keen on a new challenge, possibly outside of Italy.
The exclusion of the Nigerian international from the squad has generated mixed reactions among fans, particularly those of Nigerian descent who have continued to rally behind the winger following his heroics on both domestic and international fronts. Many were hoping to see him build on his incredible form from last season, which saw him end the campaign as one of the club’s top scorers across all competitions.
For now, it remains unclear whether Lookman will be reintegrated into the squad in the coming weeks, or if the club will entertain renewed offers before the close of the transfer window. Atalanta’s management is yet to issue an official statement addressing the player’s omission or clarifying his status moving forward.
As it stands, the former Leicester City man finds himself in limbo — caught between a club unwilling to let go and a personal ambition to move on.
