Atalanta’s newly appointed head coach Raffaele Palladino has named Ademola Lookman a central figure in his plans for the club, as he begins work ahead of his first game in charge.
Palladino, introduced to the media on Wednesday after taking over from Ivan Jurić, will lead the side for the first time this weekend when Atalanta travel to champions Napoli.
The 41-year-old spoke with composure as he outlined his vision for a team that has gone seven Serie A matches without a victory.
“I’m very happy to be here at Atalanta. It’s a great club, and I feel confident that my staff and I will do everything we can to take it to the top,” he said.
The new manager inherits a squad unsettled by the fallout from Lookman’s blocked summer transfer.
Ademola Lookman celebrating with his teammates. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Inter Milan offered €45 million, but Atalanta refused to sell, placing a value of €50 million on the Nigeria international. The situation has overshadowed the club’s early season and contributed to ongoing tension.
Palladino confirmed he has already spoken directly with Lookman, who only returned from Nigeria duty this week.
“Lookman is crucial,” he said. “I called him, as well as all the others who were on national team duty. He presented himself very well. I’ll evaluate his role based on how he performs in training.”
Raffaele Palladino. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The uncertainty has encouraged Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, who are both preparing strong moves for Lookman in January.
Reports in Turkey suggest Galatasaray are prepared to offer a €9 million-per-year contract, while Fenerbahçe made contact soon after the Italian transfer window closed.
Lookman’s relationship with the club took another hit after a touchline confrontation with former gaffer Jurić during Atalanta’s Champions League match against Marseille on 5 November.
With his call-up to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad expected in December, a mid-season transfer is now viewed internally as a realistic outcome.
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Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, who both attempted to sign Lookman last summer, remain attentive and could return with offers in the coming weeks.
Atalanta may reconsider their valuation if the winger’s form does not improve, though Palladino and his staff believe a fresh managerial approach could help stabilise both the player and the team.
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The weeks ahead are likely to determine not only Lookman’s future but also the direction of Atalanta’s season under their new head coach.
