Five days missing: Atalanta vow Lookman will not go unpunished over unexplained absence

Atalanta finds itself navigating a tense situation with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who has now been absent from the club’s Zingonia training base for five consecutive days. 

While the club has yet to take formal disciplinary action, it is clear that sanctions are forthcoming as part of their standard procedure for unexcused absences.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport,  Atalanta is maintaining a measured approach, choosing not to escalate tensions prematurely amid ongoing transfer negotiations with Inter Milan, who are reportedly preparing to relaunch their pursuit of the striker. 

Despite Lookman’s current absence, he remains a registered Atalanta player and has been regularly summoned for training sessions, underlining the club’s expectation that he should continue to fulfill his professional obligations.

Lookman is also following a prescribed recovery plan for a muscle injury, adding complexity to his whereabouts during this delicate period. 

Speculation surrounds whether he is being assisted privately, but Atalanta has refrained from making any public accusations or taking immediate punitive measures.

However, the club is preparing to impose a hefty fine for Lookman’s unexcused absences combined with salary deductions covering the entire period he has missed. 

These financial penalties are expected to be calculated and enforced at the end of August, coinciding with Atalanta’s monthly financial statement review. 

The club’s message is unequivocal: Lookman’s conduct will not go unpunished.

As the transfer window progresses, Atalanta’s patience with Lookman’s absence is wearing thin, signaling that the coming weeks will be pivotal in resolving the player’s future and stabilizing the club’s squad ahead of the new Serie A campaign.

Wale Adejumo

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