Stay-or-Sell Saga intensifies as Atalanta’s Juric backs Lookman, yet transfer interest and contract expiry cloud his future.
Stay-or-Sell Saga heats up in Bergamo as Atalanta’s new boss, Ivan Juric, confirms he wants to keep Ademola Lookman ahead of summer.
Juric said balance and squad stability require retaining both Lookman and teammate Ederson. No specific transfer demands were made—“the club has ideas, but I haven’t requested any players,” he noted
Lookman, now 27, enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season: 15 goals and five assists in Serie A plus leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy with a playing role.
His contract expires in summer 2026, which opens the possibility of a big-money transfer now or a free exit next year.
Clubs like Napoli and Juventus, and even Barcelona, have shown interest, but none have officially bid yet.
Sources suggest Atalanta may demand a fee close to €50 million to part with him
This spotlights a key dilemma: Juric’s push for continuity clashes with Lookman’s rising stock and looming contract deadline. If no deal materializes, Atalanta risk losing their CAF Player of the Year on a free next year.
Next steps: Juric aims to build a title-challenging squad. Whether Lookman remains part of that plan depends on summer negotiations.
