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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that reported Manchester United target Ademola Lookman will leave Atalanta in the summer, following “deeply disrespectful” penalty criticism from his manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
United are expected to be in the market for attacking reinforcements and Lookman is one of the many options linked with a move to Old Trafford.
At one point, it was even claimed that United had opened talks over getting a deal for Lookman over the line. In addition to the Red Devils, other top European sides including Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in the Nigerian superstar.
Lookman has been one of Serie A’s best attackers over the past few seasons, troubling defences with his incredible blend of speed and trickery.
Last term, he bagged an impressive 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final to sink Xabi Alonso’s all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen side.
So far this campaign, the 27-year-old has notched 15 goals and seven assists in 26 games across Serie A and the Champions League.
On Tuesday, the United target had his spot-kick in the 61st minute saved by Simon Mignolet as Atalanta were knocked out of the Champions League in a 5-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Club Brugge.
Following the loss, a fuming Gasperini told reporters that Lookman was not supposed to take the penalty. Gasperini went on to describe the forward as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” in a brutal public takedown.
Gasperini: “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen”.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did”. pic.twitter.com/ieivtPMaL5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025
This is despite Lookman missing only two penalty attempts since 2020 and burying his previous four since joining Atalanta in 2022. Lookman – who came on from the bench – also scored Atalanta’s only goal on the night in the second-leg loss to Club Brugge.
On Wednesday, Lookman took to social media to share his side of the story, hitting back at Gasperini and revealing his teammates urged him to take the penalty.
He wrote on X, “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we achieved together as a team and as a city.”
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.”
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”
“Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too much with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”
“Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025
According to Romano, Lookman was strongly likely to part ways with Atalanta in this summer but this latest saga has almost certainly made that a guarantee.
Romano relayed, “Understand plan remains for Ademola Lookman to LEAVE Atalanta this summer.”
“Atalanta will try to clarify the situation with Gasperini in the next 24h after strong quotes… but won’t change future plans. It was already planned last summer, transfer to happen this year.”
Atalanta will try to clarify the situation with Gasperini in the next 24h after strong quotes… but won’t change future plans.
It was already planned last summer, transfer to happen this year. pic.twitter.com/f06kx2yVj6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025
From United’s perspective, there is now a real opportunity to land Lookman and bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.
Gasperini’s outburst may have also undermined Atalanta’s negotiating position, potentially allowing Lookman to be acquired for a significantly lower fee than initially expected. At 27, Lookman’s best days are still ahead of him, which would make him a valuable addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad—particularly in the left 10 role, which is crying out for quality.
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