Ademola Lookman: Ex-Real Madrid boss insists Nigerian star remains vital to Atalanta’s future

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has backed Ademola Lookman to remain a central figure in Atalanta’s plans despite ongoing transfer turmoil surrounding the Nigerian forward, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman has endured a turbulent summer in Bergamo. The 27-year-old, who handed in a transfer request and scrubbed Atalanta from his social media accounts, has been training alone after clashing with the club hierarchy.

Inter Milan had shown strong interest earlier in the window but eventually pulled out of talks, leaving the striker in limbo with just days left before the Serie A transfer deadline.

Atalanta have slapped a €50m valuation on the forward, a figure that so far has deterred suitors.

Reports suggest the club is ready to fine him and withhold wages for August as punishment for his strike. Integration back into the squad is said to depend on Lookman showing remorse, raising further uncertainty about his short-term future.

Despite the discord, Capello insists Lookman’s importance cannot be understated.

What did Fabio Capello say about Ademola Lookman?

“The Lookman affair is a significant one,” former England national team boss Capello said, as per Tutto Atalanta.

“We're talking about a player who has made a significant impact in recent years, both in terms of goals and assists. If he were to stay, he would still be a key figure. If he were to leave, however, Atalanta would be forced to reinvent much of their attacking potential.”

Ademola Lookman is back at the Bortolotti Centre for pre-season duties with Atalanta. #zingonia pic.twitter.com/c8DCcCmUR8

— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) July 15, 2025

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The former AC Milan manager also added:

“In Bergamo, there's organization, passion, and a solid project. But the Lookman case remains the real deciding factor in determining how far this Atalanta can go.”

What next for Ademola Lookman?

There still exist several exit points for Ademola Lookman before transfer deadline day. One of them is Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are in the market for one more attacking option.

With Arsenal hijacking Tottenham’s move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, Spurs could now be tempted to turn their attention towards Ademola Lookman.

His representatives are believed to have offered him to several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester City, while Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG have also been linked in the past.

For now, Lookman remains stuck between Atalanta’s demands and his ambition for a new challenge.