Atalanta must forgive, reintegrate Ademola Lookman – Ex-Watford boss defends Africa’s best

Former Watford manager Giuseppe Sannino believes Atalanta have little to lose by reintegrating Ademola Lookman into their squad despite the forward’s turbulent summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman appeared destined to leave Bergamo after Inter Milan tabled multiple offers, prompting the Nigerian to submit a transfer request and even go on strike.

Atalanta, however, rejected Inter’s advances, forcing the Serie A runners-up to pull out of negotiations.

The Super Eagles star has since returned to training but is working alone while his future remains unresolved. New boss Ivan Juric left him out of Atalanta’s opening Serie A fixture, a disappointing 1-1 draw against newly promoted Pisa.

Sannino, who also coached Palermo, insists Atalanta should not hold Lookman’s conduct against him.

What is said of Ademola Lookman?

“I would always want Lookman,” Sannino told Tutto Atalanta.

“He’s been a pillar of the team. As a coach and as a club, I’d do anything to keep him. It’s normal for a young player to aspire to something better, but we have to try and convince him, because he’s a great player.”

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Lookman, reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for under €15m and quickly became a fan favourite.

His defining moment came last year when he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, delivering Atalanta their first European trophy. The performance is still hailed as the greatest night in the club’s history.

Despite that achievement, his future looks increasingly uncertain. Reports suggest his representatives are exploring options in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle among clubs sounded out.

Atalanta, though, have made it clear they will not sell cheaply. Juric is thought to want Lookman reintegrated, but the decision could hinge on how the forward responds in the coming days.

Reinstating him could strengthen Atalanta’s chances of building on last season’s impressive outing of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but leaving him sidelined risks losing one of their most decisive players.

Lookman hit 20 goals across the Italian Serie A and the Champions League for Atalanta last season.