Drama surrounding the transfer of Nigerian international and attacker Ademola Lookman continues to take turns and twists, with his Italian Serie A team Atalanta rejecting a €45 million bid from rivals Inter Milan, despite the player’s desire to make the switch.
The developments have apparently left Lookman frustrated and disappointed in his team, with whom he held a gentleman’s agreement that he would leave if a respectable figure was presented. Atalanta insist that any suitors for the player must part with as much as €50 million.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Nigerian legend Ikechukwu Uche, who won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player, and featured for top clubs including Villarreal, has asked Atalanta to lower their demands, and permit the 27-year-old to make his dream a reality.
Ex-Super Eagles Star Tips on Lookman’s Next Club Amid Atalanta Exit Talks
“Lookman has done beyond what they expected him to do and achieve when he joined, and I think it’s only fair to let him follow his desired path and dream,” the 41-year-old said, as he exclusively spoke to Footy-Africa. “Atalanta should let him follow his dream.”
“If he wants to join Inter Milan or any other team, it’s because that’s the trail he has chosen, and that must be respected. He has played there for three seasons, given them absolutely everything and delivered European glory. What more do they want? Why do they play hard to get at a time when the player needs them the most?”
“Well, I think they’ll have to eventually let him go, because you can’t cage these types of players. He’s a top player and he commands a lot of power and respect from the fanbase and the dressing room. It doesn’t reflect well on the club when these things are happening to a player that has represented the badge to the maximum,” Uche, who scored 19 goals in 46 Super Eagles caps, added.
Meanwhile, across just 40 appearances last season, Lockman has netted 20 times with six assists sending Atalanta to the Champions League. In three seasons at Atalanta, he has played 118 games, scoring 52 goals and registering 21 assists.
