New Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has identified Ademola Lookman as a key part of his project in Bergamo, even as the Nigeria international continues to be linked with a January move to Galatasaray.
Palladino, who has taken over from Croatian coach Ivan Jurić, was unveiled on Wednesday and will oversee his first match this weekend against Serie A champions Napoli. The 41-year-old, formerly in charge of Fiorentina, outlined a clear vision for a team currently struggling after a seven-game winless run.
“I’m delighted to join Atalanta. It’s a big club, and I’m confident my staff and I can push it back to the top,” he said.
Lookman at the centre of early challenges
One of Palladino’s immediate tasks is resolving tension in the squad caused by Lookman’s unresolved transfer situation. The winger has not hit the heights of previous seasons after Atalanta turned down a €45 million summer offer from Inter Milan, insisting on a €50 million valuation. The aftermath of that decision has influenced the club’s shaky start to the campaign.
Palladino confirmed he recently reached out to the 28-year-old, who had been away on international duty with Nigeria. He stressed that Lookman remains important to his plans but must show strong intent during training.
“Lookman is an essential player,” Palladino said. “I called him, just as I did with all the players who were away. He showed a very good attitude. His position in the team will depend on what he shows in training.”
European interest grows as January window approaches
Lookman’s future has become the subject of intense competition, especially from Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, both preparing substantial bids ahead of the January transfer window.
Tensions heightened earlier in the season after a heated touchline argument between Lookman and Jurić during a Champions League match against Marseille on November 5. Although the coach has since been dismissed, the fallout has not fully repaired the relationship between Lookman and the club.
With the forward contracted until 2027 and expected to join Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 preparations in December, Atalanta are now more open to a potential mid-season sale.
Galatasaray view Lookman as a major signing and are reportedly ready to offer a €9 million-per-year deal, hoping to build an all-Nigerian attacking partnership with Victor Osimhen. Fenerbahçe have also tabled an offer and remain in the race.
The interest is not limited to Turkey. Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur—both of whom attempted to land Lookman last summer—are keeping close tabs and may return with new proposals in January.
Atalanta could be forced to reduce their €50 million asking price if the winger’s performances do not improve soon, although Palladino’s staff are optimistic that a change in leadership could spark a resurgence. The coming weeks will be critical for both Lookman’s next move and Atalanta’s attempt to steady their season.
