Atalanta president Luca Percassi has offered some insights on why Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman’s long-anticipated departure from Bergamo is yet to materialize, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman was always expected to secure a big transfer away from Atalanta this summer, following three years of outstanding performances in La Dea’s blue and black stripes.
However, despite receiving multiple offers from Serie A rivals Inter Milan, the 2023 Europa League winners have recently made attempts to keep a hold of the talismanic Nigeria international, even going as far as offering to better Inter’s contract offer.
Having failed in their attempt to get Lookman to remain in Bergamo, club president Luca Percassi has publicly admitted the 27-year-old’s desire to take his talents elsewhere.
Percassi also revealed that while the club expected Lookman’s departure, Matteo Retegui’s sudden transfer to Saudi’s Al Qadsiah and the club’s transfer policy of selling only one player per year made La Dea rethink their stance.
What Luca Percassi said about Ademola Lookman
“Ademola has been expressing his desire to leave for some time now,” Percassi said in quotes revealed by FC Inter News. “I’m not revealing any secrets.
“In all our planning, he was the player expected to depart, as selling one player per year is part of our philosophy. However, the transfer market brings unexpected situations, and you all know what happened with Retegui.
“As for Ademola, despite plenty of interest, there had been nothing concrete – until yesterday, when Inter’s offer arrived. They’re a club we have an excellent relationship with. I saw Marotta at the league meeting – we have a great rapport – and in the coming days, we will calmly assess the offer.
“But Atalanta alone decides the timing and terms of any sale. Retegui wasn’t part of our initial plans to let go, as he only joined recently. As I said, the offer for Lookman only came in yesterday.”
On Tuesday, Inter Milan submitted an official €45 million bid for Ademola Lookman, falling short of Atalanta’s €50 million valuation for the 27-year-old winger. However the player’s desire to leave could force Atalanta into a compromise in the coming days.