Palladino Backs Lookman as the Atalanta coach defends the Nigerian star amid a slow season and rising transfer rumours

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has reaffirmed his trust in Ademola Lookman as Palladino Backs Lookman during a challenging start to the campaign marked by limited goals and persistent transfer speculation.

Also read: Atletico, Spurs in Race to Sign Ademola Lookman

Lookman has found the net only once in ten appearances across all competitions after a tense summer in which several top European clubs attempted to sign him.

Interest from Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and others intensified after Lookman’s standout form last season. Inter reportedly offered €45m, but Atalanta held firm at €50m, a decision that was said to have frustrated the Nigerian forward.

Matters worsened when Lookman fell out with former manager Ivan Juric during a Champions League win over Marseille on November 5, a period that ended with Juric’s dismissal weeks later.

Palladino, now steering the new chapter, reassured reporters that Lookman remains central to his tactical setup.

He explained that he made a personal effort to reach out to the forward while he was on national duty, insisting on understanding the mindset of each player under his charge.

He described Lookman as a strong influence capable of shifting matches when in form.

The coach added that Lookman returned in good spirits and that his selection would depend on training performance and match readiness. His words offered a powerful show of confidence at a time when the forward is battling to regain rhythm.

Lookman’s subdued start has kept January transfer rumours alive. Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have been monitoring him closely, though insiders claim Gala are cautious due to his recent dip.

Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom made approaches last summer, are reportedly preparing new bids as the winter window approaches.

Also read: Ademola Lookman Demands Huge Pay to Join Galatasaray

For Lookman, rediscovering the form that earned him the 2024 African Player of the Year award remains a priority. Under Palladino’s renewed backing, he will be hoping to revive his season and silence the rising speculation.