You should have signed Lookman — Ex-Real Madrid star slams Napoli for snubbing Africa's best

You should have signed Lookman — Ex-Real Madrid star slams Napoli for snubbing Africa's best

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 14:25 - 05.02.2025

Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan attacker Antonio Cassano has slammed Napoli for failing to land Atalanta's Ademola Lookman.

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano believes Napoli should have signed Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman.

Cassano also backed Napoli boss Antonio Conte, who had expressed his disappointment at the lack of signings, particularly after the departure of star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain.

Cassano agreed with Conte's assessment, stating,

"I agree with what Conte said: either someone arrives who makes the difference, or it's better to stay as is."

He criticized Napoli's decision to sell Kvaratskhelia for €75 million and then sign Noah Okafor on loan, calling it "the wrong strategy."

Cassano suggested that Napoli should have activated Ademola Lookman's €55 million release clause, even proposing a swap deal involving Giacomo Raspadori. He said:

Ademola Lookman for Atalanta || Imago
Lookman has contributed five goals in five starts for Atalanta in the Champions League. || Imago

"So I say… you took 75 million, Lookman's release clause (even if he's injured now) is 55 million… you give them Raspadori and you take a ready player who makes the difference, knows Serie A, and Inter should be afraid."

Lookman is currently sidelined with an injury but is expected to return in a few weeks, and Atalanta have struggled in his absence.

As for Conte and Napoli, they must now navigate the rest of the season hoping that the sale of Kvaratskhelia does not derail their title charge

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