Atalanta President Luca Percassi Opens Up About Ademola Lookman's Transfer to Atletico Madrid
Atalanta President Luca Percassi has publicly addressed the departure of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to Spanish La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid. This move concludes a prolonged and contentious transfer saga that spanned approximately 18 months and involved multiple transfer windows, marking a significant chapter in both clubs' histories.
The Drawn-Out Transfer Saga and Lookman's Persistent Exit Efforts
Lookman's exit from Atalanta was far from straightforward, characterized by repeated attempts to leave the Italian club. Initially, in the summer of 2024, Atalanta blocked his proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain, citing insufficient time to secure a replacement as the primary reason. This decision set the stage for further tensions, as Lookman continued to seek a transfer.
In the summer of 2025, the situation escalated when Atalanta again prevented his move, this time to Inter Milan. This blockage prompted a strong reaction from Lookman, who submitted a formal transfer request and boycotted training for several weeks. The impasse was eventually resolved after a 4-0 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League group stage, leading to his reintegration into the squad.
Percassi's Initial Resistance and Eventual Reluctant Approval
Percassi initially dismissed the idea of sanctioning Lookman's exit early in the January transfer window, emphasizing that even with the signing of Giacomo Raspadori, it was not a justification to let go of such an important player. However, his stance softened over time, and he ultimately granted the 2024 African Footballer of the Year his wish to depart Bergamo after nearly four seasons with the club.
Despite this approval, Percassi did not appear entirely content with the outcome. In a recent interview with Sport Media set, he chose to shift focus away from the transfer, stating, "Football has a short memory, so we must work all the time to ensure the squad is as competitive as possible." He added, "Now, fortunately, we can talk only about football and not the transfer market, as many important matches are coming up."
Lookman's Tumultuous Relationship with Atalanta and Coaching Staff
During his tenure at Atalanta, Lookman faced challenges with two former head coaches, which contributed to the strained relationship. Conflicts arose with Gian Piero Gasperini over a penalty miss and with Ivan Juric, who was involved in a physical altercation with the Super Eagles star during a match. Although Raffaele Palladino managed to maintain a better rapport with Lookman prior to his departure, the overall dynamic with the club had become untenable.
Immediate Impact at Atletico Madrid and Fan Reactions
Since joining Atletico Madrid, Lookman has made an impressive start, scoring and assisting in his debut match against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. Diego Simeone handed him a starting role, and his performance earned him a standing ovation upon substitution in the 78th minute. Fans and pundits alike have praised his display, with many hailing him as a potential new star in Spanish football.
This transfer not only highlights Lookman's resilience and talent but also underscores the complexities of modern football negotiations, where player desires, club strategies, and managerial decisions often collide. As Atalanta moves forward, Percassi's focus remains on bolstering the squad's competitiveness, while Lookman aims to build on his promising start in La Liga.
