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Lookman Ends Dispute With Atalanta, Returns to Training Ahead of Juventus Clash
BERGAMO, Italy— Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has ended a two-month standoff with Atalanta and rejoined first-team training, giving the Serie A club a boost after its heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Lookman, 27, had been absent from training since July after submitting a transfer request. The winger was frustrated over unfulfilled promises of a move abroad, with bids from Inter Milan and PSG reportedly turned down by the club. His absence created tension during the preseason and the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
On Thursday, Lookman met with new head coach Ivan Juric to discuss his future. The two reached an agreement for him to return, with Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi making clear the player must be fully committed to reintegration.
“Ademola is an important player for us. What matters now is focus, professionalism and helping the team move forward,” Percassi said in a brief statement.
The timing of his return is crucial. Atalanta has gone three matches without a win this season, raising pressure on Juric in his first weeks in charge. The club’s defeat to PSG on Tuesday underlined weaknesses in attack and defense, leaving fans concerned ahead of Sunday’s high-profile Serie A meeting with Juventus.
Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s most influential players since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022. He has scored 55 goals in 118 appearances, including a stunning hat trick in the Europa League final last season against Bayer Leverkusen that secured Atalanta’s first major European trophy.
His scoring ability and pace on the wings have made him a fan favorite in Bergamo and a regular starter for Nigeria’s national team. Supporters had voiced frustration over the dispute, with many urging both sides to find a solution.
Juric, who took over in July after Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure, emphasized the need for unity. “We cannot afford distractions,” he told Italian reporters. “Lookman is back, and now we must concentrate on Juventus. The team comes first.”
The forward’s decision to rejoin training also ends speculation of a possible late move before the January transfer window. While PSG and Inter remain interested, club officials have stressed that Lookman will not be sold during the current campaign.
Atalanta faces a demanding schedule with league matches, domestic cup commitments, and a tough Champions League group. Lookman’s presence is expected to ease some of the attacking burden on Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners.
For Lookman, the return marks a chance to rebuild trust with teammates and supporters. “I am happy to be back with the group. My focus is on working hard and helping Atalanta win,” he said in a statement released through the club.
The match against Juventus could offer an early test of his readiness. With Atalanta still searching for its first victory of the season, all eyes will be on Lookman to see if he can deliver the spark that has defined his time in Bergamo.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, has congratulated Madam Nwakuche, popularly known as Lady D, mother of the Managing Director of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche, as she marks her 80th birthday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Imo Gov Uzodinma Approves Key Appointments For Renewed Hope Ambassadors Ahead Of 2027....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has met with stakeholders of the party’s Adamawa State chapter in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He disclosed this via his X handle on Saturday, describing the visit as a deeply touching moment.
Atiku said he appreciated the delegation and urged the new state leadership to prioritise unity, heal internal divisions, and ensure inclusive leadership.
He expressed confidence that the ADC has emerged as a strong opposition platform, built on structure and determination, capable of challenging the ruling APC in future elections.
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