Ademola Lookman being substituted during Atalanta’s Champions League win over Ajax.
It was supposed to be a night of celebration for Atalanta after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League — but the headlines were stolen by an explosive sideline moment involving Ademola Lookman and coach Ivan Juric.
The Super Eagles forward, who had a goal ruled out by VAR earlier in the match, was visibly frustrated when Juric substituted him with 15 minutes left to play. The tension quickly escalated when Juric appeared to drag him off the pitch, prompting an angry reaction from Lookman.
Backroom staff and teammates quickly stepped in to separate the pair before the situation got out of hand.
Fortunately for Atalanta, 23-year-old Serbian midfielder Lazar Samardžić stepped up in added time to score the match winner, easing the immediate tension and ensuring the Italian side secured all three points.
The victory somewhat cooled what could have been an ugly post-match fallout — but it also reignited speculation about Lookman’s future at the club.
Lookman has reportedly requested to leave Atalanta in the upcoming January transfer window, with interest from several top European clubs, including Inter Milan, who he tried to join last summer.
That attempted move came after a public fallout with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who harshly criticized the Nigerian after a missed penalty against Club Brugge.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty,” Gasperini said at the time. “He’s one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman, who had previously maintained a perfect penalty record for Atalanta before that incident, didn’t take the criticism lightly and responded via social media.
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful,” Lookman wrote. “I have always worked hard for this club and our incredible fans. In truth, I have faced many difficult moments here — most of which I’ve kept quiet about because the team must come first.”
The winger later reconciled with Gasperini before his departure from Atalanta last season, but this new clash with Juric suggests tensions may once again be rising in Bergamo.
With his passion, flair, and consistency, Ademola Lookman remains one of Atalanta’s key attacking threats — but his fiery personality and ambition for a bigger stage could soon see him move on.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Atalanta can convince the reigning African Player of the Year to stay, or if this latest confrontation will push him closer to the exit door.
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