Ademola Lookman is set to face disciplinary action from Atalanta after staging a two-week training strike in an attempt to force through a transfer to Inter Milan, a deal that has now collapsed.
The Nigerian forward returned to the club’s training base in Zingonia this week, where he held talks with CEO Antonio Percassi over his future following Inter’s formal withdrawal from negotiations, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
Inter had agreed personal terms with Lookman on a five-year contract but failed to reach an agreement with Atalanta. Percassi reportedly stood firm, insisting he would not sanction a move to another Serie A club, despite earlier assurances to the player about a possible exit in 2025.
Frustrated by the club’s stance, Lookman staged a training boycott, failed to present a medical certificate, and wiped Atalanta-related content from his social media accounts. The standoff deepened when Atalanta rejected Inter’s €45m bid, prompting Inter directors Piero Ausilio and Beppe Marotta to walk away from the deal. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that Inter had declared the move “OFF.”
Lookman’s actions, however, left Atalanta unimpressed. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club plans to fine him for failing to notify his absence, dock his wages for the missed days, and may also demand a public apology as part of the disciplinary process.
“They will not let it slide. Sanctions are coming,” the Italian outlet reported.
Despite the fallout, Atalanta are cautious not to push the matter too far. Head coach Ivan Juric has voiced concerns about losing too much firepower after the sale of last season’s Serie A top scorer, Mateo Retegui. Juric reportedly warned that the club would “lose 90 per cent of their goals” if Lookman were also allowed to depart.
This has left both sides navigating a fragile balance, discipline for the player’s actions on one hand and the need to preserve his form and market value on the other. A reintegration plan is now under consideration, with Lookman potentially being restored to the starting XI once disciplinary measures are concluded.
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