After days on a self-imposed exile, Ademola Lookman has returned to Atalanta’s training ground following the collapse of his proposed move to Inter Milan.

Lookman’s return to Atalanta brings an end to one of the summer’s most turbulent transfer standoffs in Italian football.

The Nigerian forward had been pushing for a switch to the Serie A champions after Inter lodged a €45m bid with performance-related bonuses.

Atalanta, however, rejected the approach, insisting that any sale would only be considered for a higher fee and to a club outside Italy. That stance effectively ruled out Inter and triggered a bitter fallout between the player and his employers.

Lookman, crowned African Footballer of the Year last December, responded by handing in a transfer request and publicly accusing Atalanta of reneging on promises about his career path.

In protest, he refused to join team training, instead relocating to the United Kingdom to work individually while awaiting a resolution.

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi later acknowledged that there was a “gentleman’s agreement” in place regarding Lookman’s future but confirmed it excluded domestic rivals. Reports in Italy suggest the forward now faces disciplinary measures, including potential fines and wage deductions, for his unauthorised absence.

Although Inter have now withdrawn from negotiations, Lookman has returned to the club’s Zingonia base.