Juric Blames “Bad Advice” for Lookman’s Transfer Saga at Atalanta

Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has spoken out on the transfer row involving Ademola Lookman, revealing that the Nigerian forward was misled by poor guidance during the summer. Lookman had submitted a formal transfer request in a bid to force a move to Inter Milan after the Nerazzurri’s €45m offer was turned down in August. The player subsequently went absent without leave, sparking tension between him and the club.

The 27-year-old was left out of Atalanta’s squad in the days leading up to the new Serie A season as disciplinary action for his absence. For weeks, his future remained uncertain, fueling speculation about a possible January exit. However, Lookman finally returned to full training with his teammates last Thursday, marking his first involvement with the squad this season.

The forward made his season debut in Sunday’s clash against Torino, where he came on as a late substitute in the 87th minute, replacing Kamaldeen Sulemana. While his appearance was brief, it was seen as a step toward reintegration into the team after the transfer standoff that had sidelined him.

Speaking after the match, Juric explained that Lookman had apologized to the squad and admitted he was influenced by bad counsel. “He spoke to me and the team on Monday. He was surrounded by people who gave him poor advice,” Juric said. “Lookman has a strong winning mentality, and our focus now is on helping him regain full fitness so he can contribute positively to the team.”