Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has weighed in on Atalanta’s blocking of Ademola Lookman’s exit during the summer transfer window, labelling the Italian club’s actions ‘unfair’, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman was embroiled in one of the ugliest transfer sagas of the summer as Atalanta refused to sanction a departure for the 27-year-old Nigerian attacker despite his obvious desire to take his talents elsewhere.
The Italian club rejected several offers from Serie A rivals Inter Milan, with the Nerazzurri eventually forced to walk away from the deal. A late push from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich was also reportedly rebuffed by La Dea.
With the transfer window for Europe’s top five leagues officially shut, Lookman’s remaining exit routes lay in Saudi Arabia or the Turkish Super Lig where reigning champions Galatasaray are reportedly monitoring his situation.
Sharing his thoughts on the situation, Odemwingie, who endured his own share of transfer sagas during his playing career, sympathized with Lookman and labelled Atalanta’s decision to block a summer move unfair.
“Lookman has exceeded every expectation since joining Atalanta. The fair thing would have been to let him pursue the path he desired,” Odemwingie told Footy-Africa. “They should have allowed him to follow his dream.”
“He’s played three full seasons, given his all, and even delivered European glory. What more could they have asked for? It doesn’t reflect well when a player who has carried the club on his shoulders is held back at this point in his career.”
What will become of Lookman at Atalanta remains uncertain at the moment but the talismanic forward must temporarily forget his club related worries and focus on helping the Super Eagles claim much needed victories over Rwanda and South Africa.