Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has recently fueled widespread exit rumors from Italian club Atalanta, following a series of significant social media activities and escalating tensions with the club's management and coaching staff. These developments come in the wake of a tense touchline exchange between Lookman and Atalanta manager Ivan Jurić during their 1-0 victory over Olympique Marseille.

The speculation intensified after fans observed a dramatic change on Lookman’s verified Instagram account. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Nigerian forward unfollowed Atalanta’s official page and subsequently archived or removed all photos of himself wearing the club’s jersey. This deliberate social media cleansing immediately sparked intense discussion and speculation across various platforms, with many interpreting it as a clear indication of his growing frustration and a strong desire to depart from the Gewiss Stadium. A significant portion of the Nigerian football community also viewed these actions as a direct message to Atalanta's management, particularly following the public altercation with coach Ivan Jurić.

Reports suggest that Lookman’s relationship with the Atalanta hierarchy has been deteriorating for several months, with the friction notably escalating since the 2025 summer transfer window. During that period, the club reportedly blocked multiple potential moves away from Bergamo, despite considerable interest from several top European sides. Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s most productive players in recent seasons, openly expressed his frustration after the club refused to sanction his departure. He had previously hinted on social media about feeling unfairly treated by Atalanta, indicating that these issues have a deeper history.

The roots of this tension can be traced back to the tenure of former manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who once publicly criticized Lookman for missing a penalty. Current manager Ivan Jurić, who replaced Gasperini, appears to have inherited and exacerbated this underlying tension, culminating in their public sideline altercation during the match against Marseille. This incident further inflamed the already strained relationship between the player and the club.

Lookman's recent actions have ignited widespread speculation that he is actively pushing for a move during the upcoming January transfer window. Several prominent European clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation with keen interest. Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid have emerged as leading contenders, with Atlético Madrid specifically joining the race, according to reports from Fichajes. Inter Milan had also shown interest in the summer but negotiations reportedly collapsed over a few million euros in transfer fees.

Given his impressive performance record, which includes 53 goals and 25 assists since joining Atalanta, the 28-year-old forward would undoubtedly attract numerous suitors. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid view the Nigerian international as an ideal attacking reinforcement, valuing his pace, eye for goal, and proven quality in top European leagues. A move to Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid could represent a significant step up for Lookman, building on his successful stints in Italy and earlier in England with Leicester City and Everton. Alternatively, a return to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur might appeal, given his familiarity with English football and Spurs’ attacking style under Thomas Frank.

As of now, Atalanta has not released any official statement regarding Lookman’s social media activities or his long-term future at the club. However, all signs point towards a possible separation as the tensions between the talented player and the club’s management continue to mount, making a January exit increasingly plausible.