Transfer Saga: Atalanta Block Bayern Loan Move for Lookman

Italian Serie A side Atalanta have rejected Bayern Munich’s loan offer for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, insisting the player will only leave on a permanent deal for the right price.

According ti a report by Punch, Lookman, 27, has been pushing for an exit all summer, creating tension with the club. With just hours left in the 2025/26 transfer window, Atalanta remain firm on their stance that a loan move is not acceptable.

According to reports, Bayern Munich recently inquired about signing Lookman after his proposed move to Inter Milan collapsed. The Nigerian has also been linked with a switch to several Premier League clubs.

Athletic reporter David Orstein confirmed Bayern’s approach:

“Bayern Munich approach Atalanta for Ademola Lookman. Proposal loan including a sizeable fee plus option to buy at a significant price.”

However, transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and Onyebuchi Onokala revealed that the deal is unlikely to happen due to Atalanta’s conditions.
Romano wrote:

“Atalanta maintain their position for Ademola Lookman: no intention to let the player leave on loan with buy option. Bayern, Tottenham, and Italian clubs are all informed of a permanent deal proposal needed or guaranteed obligation to buy.”

Onokala also added:

“Bayern Munich enquire for Ademola Lookman. Loan + buy option, and Atalanta would not negotiate. They have no plans to let the player leave on loan with a buy option.”

The reported €28m buy option is considered too low, with Atalanta valuing the winger at around €50m.

Despite rejecting Bayern’s approach, there is still hope for Lookman. Sky Sports Germany reports that Tottenham Hotspur and Galatasaray are also interested and could be ready to make a direct purchase.

Atalanta had previously promised Lookman he could leave this summer, but only to a club outside Italy. The club rejected Inter Milan’s €42m plus €3m bonus bid and have since sidelined Lookman, who has been training separately after going AWOL in protest.

Lookman, who scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists last season, also won the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football stars.