Lookman ends exile as Juric confirms return for Torino clash

Atalanta manager Ivan Jurić has officially ended a three-month standoff, declaring Ademola Lookman “back and available” for selection against Torino on Sunday, marking the Nigerian forward’s first squad inclusion since his attempted summer transfer to Serie A rivals Inter Milan collapsed.

The announcement resolves a saga that began in early June and saw the Lookman completely frozen out of the first team for the entire pre-season and the start of the competitive campaign.

Lookman, 27, was a conspicuous absence after Atalanta president Antonio Percassi publicly blocked his desired move, famously stating the club would not act as a “feeder team” for its rivals.

The serious negotiations came from Inter Milan, who identified Lookman as a prime target to bolster their attack. However, the two clubs failed to agree on a fee, with Atalanta’s valuation, reportedly in the region of €40 millionn not being met before the September 1st deadline.

With a transfer failing to materialise, Lookman remained an Atalanta player but in a state of limbo. He has not featured in a single matchday squad for the first three months of the Serie A season, training separately from the main group as the club sought to reintegrate him.

His absence has been keenly felt. As the scorer of a historic hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, Lookman was the undisputed star of the attack. His return provides a massive boost to a frontline that has lacked its cutting edge without him.

“Ademola Lookman is back and he will be available from tomorrow,” manager Ivan Jurić confirmed in his pre-match press conference, drawing a line under the controversy.