CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman is reportedly expected to leave Atalanta following a verbal war with his coach, who publicly singled out the Nigerian.
Atalanta crashed out of the UEFA Champions League after suffering a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Belgian side Club Brugge KV in their playoff tie. They lost 2-1 in the first leg before falling 3-1 in the return fixture.
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The Super Eagles star came off the bench in the second leg and managed to get on the scoresheet. However, his night took a turn when he stepped up to take a penalty – a decision that would later spark controversy.
The Nigerian missed from the spot, and his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, did not hold back in his assessment.
"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen," the Italian stated bluntly in his post-match press conference.
Gasperini's remarks did not sit well with Lookman, who took to social media to express his frustration.
"It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city," the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Following the fallout, the Nigerian forward is expected to have talks with Gasperini to address the situation but is also believed to be keen on securing a move away from the club at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Lookman had already planned to leave Atalanta at the end of the season and is eager to secure a new challenge elsewhere.