AFCON 2025
Atalanta are yet to agree on a price with Inter Milan for the transfer of the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, with the Nigerian forward keen on leaving the Bergamo-based club.
While Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are struggling to meet Atalanta’s valuation of the player, Jose Peseiro, a former Super Eagles coach who coached Lookman between 2022 and 2024, says his former player is worth the price, given his quality.
He added that it is not about Lookman’s age but what he brings to the team. Peseiro made his thoughts known about the matter while speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The price reflects his enormous quality and his ability to adapt to the playing style.
“Age doesn’t matter: Inter want to win immediately, they’re not thinking about selling him.”
“His shooting ability. The fact that, little by little over the years, he’s developed a keen eye for goal: now, if you let him turn for a moment, he’ll immediately find the corner of the net.
“He’s good as a winger, but as a second striker, he can cause more disruption. With Lautaro and Thuram, it’s not impossible, in fact…”
Ademola Lookman has reportedly been absent from Atalanta’s training sessions ahead of the new football season after he handed in a transfer request.
The Nigerian winger has come under criticism for his behavior, and the club has reportedly vowed not to excuse his actions.
In defense of Lookman, Peseiro says the winger is of good character but refrained from going into details of the matter, as he acknowledged it’s not right to discuss it in public.
“I don’t think it’s right to address his problems publicly. These are issues that need to be resolved privately.
“From the outside, his behavior may not seem right, but I can’t judge without knowing all the details.”
Inter Milan have had their two bids, €40 million and €45 million, rejected, as Atalanta reportedly want at least €50 million for Ademola Lookman, who led the club to its first-ever European title two seasons ago.
