Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has revealed that Ademola Lookman remains unavailable for selection ahead of the club’s clash against Lecce this weekend.
The Super Eagles star has developed into one of the best footballers in the world in recent years, following consistent performances for the Italian side.
He has won back to back player of the season for the club and scored a remarkable treble in the 2024 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the club to their first-ever European trophy.
Lookman played in both of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in the international break, despite having not played a single minute for his club this season.
Having grown into an integral member of the squad over the past few years, Lookman has not featured for the club this season and has not been called up to any match-day squad.
The Italian club refused to sanction a transfer for the Nigerian winger this summer, despite receiving multiple bids from rivals Inter Milan.
The reigning African footballer of the year award winner also handed in a transfer request and refused to train with the main squad in a bid to push for a move.
However, Atalanta kept hold of their prized asset insisting that their valuation was not met by any club.
La Dea are yet to win a game this season in the absence of Lookman and have amassed just two points from their opening two league matches.
They began their campaign with a 1-1 home draw to newly-promoted Pisa, before recording another 1-1 draw against Parma in their second match.
Ivan Juric’s side play host to Lecce on Sunday at the Gewiss Stadium, hoping to secure their first league win of the season.
What did Ivan Juric say about Ademola Lookman?
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Lecce, Juric pointed out that the Nigeria forward remains unavailable for selection after his transfer battle with the club.
“Lookman won’t be with us. It’s a truly unpleasant situation. After a meeting with him, I feel we need other things – spirit, fight, humility, work, guys who have to feel the shirt well. Our guys have to do that. I don’t want anything else”, Ivan Juric revealed
“I want a different human level, a different sense of belonging. I have a good relationship with him, but I don’t have to ask him. Damn, we’re Atalanta, I don’t have to beg him. He needs strong, human values”, he continued.
