Ademola Lookman and Atalanta Consider Legal Actions Amid Transfer Standoff
- Ademola Lookman and Atalanta could pursue legal action against each other as the transfer saga continues
- Lookman confirmed via social media statement on Sunday that he had submitted an official transfer request
- The Super Eagles star has skipped training for three days after Atalanta's president reacted to his statement
Ademola Lookman and Atalanta could be set for a legal showdown to resolve the transfer issue between the two parties surrounding the player’s exit.
The Nigerian forward is pushing to leave the club after three successful seasons, during which he helped the club win their first trophy in 63 years.
Source: Getty Images
Lookman published a statement on his social media pages on Sunday, confirming he had submitted a transfer request after Atalanta rejected Inter Milan’s offer.
The Super Eagles striker claimed he believes that the offer was fair enough to sanction a sale, which was a gentleman's agreement they had in the summer of 2024.
La Dea denied Lookman a move to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, despite the Nigerian agreeing to personal terms worth €5 million per season with PSG.
Atalanta and Lookman could sue each other
Lookman has failed to report for training for the third consecutive day and missed today’s 2-1 pre-season friendly win over AC Monza.
According to Calcio e Finanza, this unauthorised three-day absence gives the club the power to dock his wages if the absence happens within 48 hours.
However, the player can sue the club with the Diarra rule, which will allow him to rescind his contract and pay a compensation which would be lower than Inter Milan’s offer.
What is the Diarra rule?
According to FIFPRO, former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra sued FIFA after the governing body stopped him from taking a new contract after his dispute with Lokomotiv Moscow.
10 years later, in 2024, Diarra won the case after it was confirmed that FIFA’s ruling contravenes EU rules, and they were forced to adjust.
If a player feels a club's action is unjustly altering the progress of his career, he can terminate his contract and pay a fixed compensation fee, equivalent to the rest of the salary on his contract.
Source: Getty Images
According to Capology, Lookman has two years and a salary of €4.62 million left on his contract, which is what he owes Atalanta if he rescinds his contract in this case.
Multiple reports in Italy claimed that Inter Milan are still interested in signing the reigning African Footballer of the Year and are ready to include a young player in the deal.
Nerazzuri have also lined up Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho as an alternative target if the proposed move for Lookman fails to materialise.
Atalanta CEO lists conditions for Lookman's exit
Legit.ng previously reported that Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi listed two conditions for the club to sanction Lookman's exit after he submitted an official transfer request.
One of the conditions agreed to was that the Nigerian forward would not join another Italian club, as the Italians do not want to strengthen a direct rival.
Source: Legit.ng
