Gasperini Reacts to Lookman’s Transfer Saga at Atalanta After Calling Him Worst Penalty Taker
- Ademola Lookman and Atalanta are at loggerheads over the attacker's proposed departure from the club
- Lookman submitted a transfer request after the club rejected Inter Milan's proposal, before clarifying their stance
- Former Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who is now at AS Roma, has spoken about the ongoing saga
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Former Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has weighed in on the ongoing transfer saga between the club and star attacker Ademola Lookman.
Lookman submitted a transfer request after Atalanta rejected Inter Milan's offer worth €45 million, including add-ons, having already agreed personal terms with the player.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian published a statement on his social media pages addressing the fans, after which Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi addressed the incident.
Percassi claimed that the agreement between Atalanta Lookman and the club was to allow him to leave if a fair offer arrives, but not to an Italian club, as they do not want to strengthen a direct rival.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year has failed to turn up for training since the start of this week as he attempts to force a move away from Bergamo.
Gasperini speaks about Lookman's ordeal
Former manager Gian Piero Gasperini has shared his thoughts about the ongoing transfer tussle between Atalanta and Lookman.
The current AS Roma boss admitted that the incident will taint the player’s legacy at the club and could be remembered for the ugly end more than his memories at the club.
“I am sorry to see the situation. We’ve had some great times together. Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of only remembering these players for how things ended,” he said as quoted by Sempre Inter.
“He’s had so many great moments, but now we’re just thinking about the last one. I feel sorry for the player and for the club. I just hope everything gets resolved for everyone involved.”
The winger has interest from other clubs outside Italy, but nothing has advanced at this stage. There will be a breakthrough before the window closes.
Lookman's stats under Gasperini
Lookman joined the Bergamo-based club from RB Leipzig in 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite at the Gewiss Stadium under Gasperini’s tutelage.
The Super Eagles star’s three seasons at Atalanta all came under Gasperini, with his best season coming in the 2023/24 season.
Source: Getty Images
According to Transfermarkt, he played 118 matches under the Italian manager; almost three times he has played under another manager. He scored 52 goals and provided 15 assists.
He scored a hat-trick in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final, to win Gasperini his first trophy and Atalanta their first trophy in 63 years.
Last season, he had a fallout with Gasperini after he missed a crucial penalty in the UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge, after which it was decided that both player and the manager would leave the club.
Atalanta and Lookman could pursue legal action
Legit.ng reported that Atalanta and Lookman could pursue legal action against each other to resolve the transfer dispute between them.
Lookman has missed more than three days of training, which permits the club to withhold his salary, while the player could unilaterally terminate his contract under the Diarra rule.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
