Ademola Lookman may start for Atalanta tonight against Club Brugge in the Champions League, as coach Ivan Juric eyes his reintegration after a summer transfer saga

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has strongly hinted that Ademola Lookman could return to the starting XI tonight as the Serie A side prepares to face Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League group stage clash at the Gewiss Stadium.

Also read: Lookman Returns for Atalanta Against Juventus

The 27-year-old Nigerian international has been slowly reintegrated into the squad after a summer transfer push that temporarily placed his Atalanta future in doubt.

“We’re starting to think seriously about getting Lookman and Ederson back into the starting rotation,” Juric said during his pre-match press conference. “Lookman is an important player, and we need him.”

Lookman’s reintegration marks a key turning point in his season. After pushing for a transfer during the summer window, the winger only made his first appearance of the season two weeks ago in a Serie A clash against Torino.

He was left on the bench and remained an unused substitute in Atalanta’s most recent match against Juventus — a game that ended in a goalless draw.

Now, with a crucial European fixture looming, Juric appears ready to give the former Leicester City and RB Leipzig winger a chance to reclaim his spot on the continental stage.

Matchday 2: Atalanta vs Club Brugge

• Date: September 30, 2025
• Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
• Competition: UEFA Champions League – Matchday 2
• Broadcast: Available on UEFA partner networks and streaming platforms

A start tonight would not only signal trust from Juric but also offer Lookman a platform to prove himself as a vital attacking force in Atalanta’s European campaign.

Key Takeaways:

• Lookman is in contention to start tonight’s UCL match.
• Recently returned to matchday squads after summer transfer tension.
•  Last featured two weeks ago vs Torino, unused vs Juventus.
•  Juric calls him an “important player” in Atalanta’s setup.
•  Match is part of Champions League Group Stage – Matchday 2.

Should Lookman start, expect him to slot in on the left wing or as a second striker — roles where he thrived last season, contributing goals and key assists across domestic and European competitions.

His inclusion could provide a much-needed spark in attack, especially with Atalanta looking to bounce back after a slow start to the group stage.

Also read: Lookman Returns for Atalanta Against Juventus

Lookman’s potential return adds to a growing list of Nigerian stars making waves in Europe’s top competitions, joining the likes of Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and George Ilenikhen (AS Monaco) as players to watch this week in the Champions League.