Lookman unfollows Atalanta on Instagram after touchline clash with coach
Lookman unfollows Atalanta on Instagram after touchline clash with coach
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has fuelled speculation about his future at Atalanta after unfollowing the club on Instagram and archiving all team-related posts, just days after a touchline altercation with head coach Ivan Juric.
The incident occurred during Atalanta’s 1–0 victory over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night, when Lookman appeared visibly frustrated after being substituted in the 75th minute.
Television footage showed Juric grabbing the Nigerian forward’s arm as the exchange grew heated before backroom staff intervened to calm both men.
Speaking after the match on Wednesday, Juric downplayed the confrontation, describing it as part of football’s emotional intensity.
“It’s something that happens all the time,” he said. “Some players aren’t happy when they’re substituted. We talk about it in the locker room and move on. What matters most is Atalanta, the team, and the fans.”
Addressing the matter again at a press conference on Saturday, the Atalanta boss reiterated that there was no lingering issue between him and the Nigerian international.
“These things happen,” Juric explained. “You talk, exchange views, and the rapport becomes even stronger. Ademola is a passionate player. It’s all sorted and we’ve moved on.”
However, a check by PUNCH Online revealed that the Nigerian international has unfollowed the club on Instagram and removed all team-related posts from his page.
Lookman’s recent social media actions have reignited speculation about his relationship with the club. The forward reportedly took similar steps last summer after Atalanta refused to sanction a transfer to Inter Milan for less than €50 million.
At the time, Lookman skipped several weeks of pre-season training before returning to the squad after Inter withdrew from negotiations.
With tensions appearing to resurface, the 27-year-old may once again push for a move away from Bergamo when the January transfer window opens.
Lookman, who played a crucial role in Atalanta’s Europa League success last season, has struggled to find consistent scoring form this season.
