Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has sparked fresh uncertainty over his future at Italian side Atalanta after unfollowing the club on Instagram and deleting all team related posts just days after a heated touchline altercation with head coach Ivan Juric.
The incident occurred during Atalanta’s 1–0 win over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night when Lookman reacted angrily after being substituted in the 75th minute. Television footage captured Juric grabbing the Nigerian forward’s arm as the pair exchanged words before team officials intervened to separate them.
Speaking after the game, Juric downplayed the clash, describing it as a normal part of football’s emotional intensity.
“It’s something that happens all the time,” Juric said. “Some players aren’t happy when they’re substituted. We talk about it in the locker room and move on. What matters most is Atalanta, the team, and the fans.”
At a press briefing on Saturday, the coach again dismissed any lingering tension, insisting the matter had been resolved.
“These things are normal. We talked and cleared the air. Ademola is passionate. Everything is fine now,” he stated.
However, Lookman’s subsequent social media activity has reignited speculation about a possible fallout. By Saturday, he had unfollowed Atalanta on Instagram and archived all photos related to the club, a move that has fueled rumours of dissatisfaction and a potential transfer.
This is not the first time the 28-year-old has taken such action. Last summer, Lookman unfollowed the club and skipped pre-season training after Atalanta blocked his proposed €50 million move to Inter Milan.
With the January transfer window approaching, observers believe Lookman could again push for a move away from Bergamo, especially amid reports of growing frustration over limited playing time and tactical disagreements.
Lookman, who played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, has struggled to replicate that form in the current campaign, prompting further uncertainty about his long-term future with the club.
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