Atalanta market, Raspadori pushes Ademola Lookman away? Raffaele Palladino speaks out

Atalanta soccer market: Ademola Lookman continues to be a hot name in Bergamo, especially after the arrival to the Nerazzurri of Giacomo Raspadori. The former Sassuolo, Napoli and Atletico Madrid striker netted his first goal in his new jersey last Sunday against Parma, playing as a starter in the very role of the Nigerian national. Raffaele Palladino, however, wanted to make it clear that the absolute protagonist of the orobici in the historic Europa League final won in 2024 against Bayer Leverkusen is not in question at all.

Marco Enzo Venturini

“Lookman has returned well to the team, I have seen from him the right spirit – said Palladino in a press conference on the eve of Atalanta’s decisive Champions League match at the Union Saint-Gilloise field -. When a player returns to the team after taking part in the African Cup of Nations, he certainly needs to get back into a rhythm. He, however, immediately made himself available to the group”. More, however, the doubts about his return as a starter in Europe: “We will see”, the Nerazzurri coach glossed.

The opportunity to acquire Ademola Lookman is, however, of great interest to many top clubs, especially since the Nigerian has not yet fully recomposed the summer rift with the Bergamo square. In Serie A, there&#8217s above all Antonio Conte&#8217s Napoli, which is in great difficulty after the numerous injuries that have mowed down the Italian champion lineup. The Atalanta starlet costs about 40 million euros, a very important sum, but Aurelio De Laurentiis will try in every way to satisfy Conte’s demands. Also watch out for Bayern Munich, looking for a viable alternative to Harry Kane.

In the meantime, Atalanta has freed up a place right in the advanced department. Just on Tuesday, in fact, the sale of Daniel Maldini to Lazio was formalized, “on a temporary basis until June 30, 2026, with an option and obligation to acquire him outright upon the occurrence of certain conditions”. It is therefore interesting to see whether, with the winter market window nearing its end, the Orobica management has any intention of depriving itself of another striker. Moreover, one who has found a lot of space in the team over the years, such as Lookman.

From this point of view an’indication came from Palladino, at the microphones of ‘Sky Sport’. “I don&#8217t think about other disposals, honestly. Then I am not a great lover of the market, there are so many matches and the risk is to distract the boys. Fortunately, I see them very responsible and focused, the management will take care of the rest. With whom the harmony is great, since every day we compare ourselves on everything” admitted the Atalanta coach. Only time will determine whether or not his talk includes Lookman&#8217s future.