Unauthorized Absence Leads to Legal Action Against Ademola Lookman by Atalanta Football Club
In a surprising turn of events, Ademola Lookman, the African Player of the Year, is embroiled in a legal dispute with his current club, Atalanta, over his proposed move to Inter Milan. The Nigerian international has submitted a transfer request and has been absent from training, even going as far as to leave Italy without permission [1][2][3][4].
Atalanta, reluctant to sell Lookman to a domestic rival, is preparing legal action against the player for his unauthorized absence and breach of contract. The club values Lookman at €50 million, but Inter Milan's latest proposal is €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons [1][2].
The crux of the issue lies in Lookman's belief that there was a gentleman's agreement for a transfer in summer 2024, and his disappointment over Atalanta blocking his move to Paris Saint-Germain despite agreed personal terms [1][2]. Atalanta's owners, the Percassi family, consider Lookman's behavior as completely unacceptable and are prepared to fine him for his actions [2][3][4].
Lookman's agent has hinted that he may attempt to rescind his contract under the "Diarra ruling", a 2024 European Court of Justice decision that allows players to unilaterally terminate contracts with compensation [3][4]. This could potentially escalate the legal complexity of the situation.
The impasse in negotiations has stalled talks primarily between Atalanta and Inter Milan, with PSG previously rumoured as a potential destination [1][2]. Meanwhile, Totten Hotspur are considering Lookman as a potential replacement for Son Heung-min [5].
Lookman has scored 20 goals across all competitions last season, making him an attractive prospect for any club. His current contract with Atalanta has two years left, and he has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan worth €4.5 million per year until 2030 [2].
As the Serie A season approaches, all parties are under pressure to resolve this situation quickly. The legal battle between Lookman and Atalanta promises to be a fascinating subplot in the upcoming football season.
[1] Sky Sports
[2] Goal
[3] ESPN
[4] The Athletic
[5] Football London
- The ongoing legal dispute between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta, a Serie A club, has led to the Nigerian international's absence from training and potential breach of contract.
- Lookman's agent has suggested that he might rescind his contract using the "Diarra ruling," a European Court of Justice decision that allows players to terminate contracts with compensation.
- The impasse in negotiations between Atalanta and potential suitors like Inter Milan, previously also considering Paris Saint-Germain, has potentially opened the door for other clubs, such as Totten Hotspur, to express interest in Lookman.
- Despite Lookman's impressive goal-scoring record in the previous season, his current contract with Atalanta has two years left, with a €4.5 million annual salary agreement already established with Inter Milan until 2030.
