Former Super Eagles striker Mohammed Gambo, now assistant coach at Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa sympathised with Ademola Lookman over the failed transfer but urged him to stay focused and professional.
Lookman has rejoined full training with Atalanta following the international break, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty over his club future.
“Just like every Nigerian, I followed the Lookman issue from the start, and I was unhappy that he did not get that move to Inter Milan,” Gambo exclusively told Footy-Africa. “It is unfortunate how the whole thing happened because I really thought he was going to move from there, but that is not the case now.”
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“However, as a professional, I want him to concentrate on the task ahead. I just found out that he has started training with the first team, which is a positive thing. I hope the coach will give him some playing time with the team as the season progresses so Lookman can show them what he can do. Maybe if he performs well, there will be interest in him from other clubs in December,” Gambo, who played for Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, added.
Lookman was one of Atalanta’s standout performers last season, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
The 27-year-old had been training separately from the main group prior to the break, but he has now been reintegrated into the first team as the former Europa League winners prepare for their Serie A clash against Lecce this weekend.
However, head coach Ivan Juric has confirmed that Lookman will not feature in that game.
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Lookman’s summer was dominated by transfer speculation, with the forward pushing for a move away from Bergamo. Atalanta rejected a bid from Inter Milan, deeming the offer insufficient, and despite the Nigerian handing in a transfer request and even voicing his frustration on social media, the club refused to sell.
With the transfer window now closed until January, Lookman, who is under contract until 2027, remains an Atalanta player.
