Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has clarified the circumstances surrounding Ademola Lookman’s departure, confirming that the Nigerian forward specifically sought a move away from the Bergamo club. The high-profile transfer reached its conclusion this week as the Spanish side Atletico Madrid finalized a €40 million deal for the winger. While the Nerazzurri leadership initially intended to retain their star player until the conclusion of the current campaign, the combination of Lookman’s personal request and a compelling financial proposal from Madrid ultimately prompted the sale.
This successful negotiation stands in stark contrast to the friction observed during the previous summer transfer window. At that time, Atalanta’s refusal to entertain bids from Inter Milan led to a breakdown in relations, resulting in Lookman submitting a formal transfer request and briefly absenting himself from team activities. However, the club handled the recent winter negotiations with more flexibility, prioritizing the player’s professional ambitions once a lucrative agreement met their internal valuation of the 2024 Europa League hero.
Palladino noted that the transition remained professional throughout the final days of the window, with the club opting to honor the wishes of a player who had contributed significantly to their recent success. By accepting the bid from the Colchoneros, Atalanta secures a substantial profit while allowing Lookman to test himself in the Spanish top flight under Diego Simeone. The manager emphasized that once the player expressed a desire for a fresh professional environment, the administration focused on reaching a mutually beneficial conclusion.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset regarding the winger’s exit, Raffaele Palladino explained:
“Lookman had this offer towards the end of the transfer session, he asked to leave and wanted a change of scenery, so the club made him happy.”
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