Ademola Lookman: They are incompetent — Ex-Super Eagles striker refuses to blame Atalanta for failed transfer

Former Super Eagles forward Jonathan Akpoborie criticised Ademola Lookman's representatives for his failed exit from Atalanta and the acrimonious exchange between both parties. 

The 27-year-old went on strike during that transfer window in a bid to force an exit from the Bergamo-based club and join Inter. However, the move failed, with the Nerazzurri failing to match La Dea's ask. He was kept away from the squad for a period, but has now been reinstated. 

The former Stuttgart striker appeared on No Hold’s Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze when they discussed the recent comments from Atalanta's CEO, who opened his arms to Lookman's return. 

While many have accused Atalanta of mistreating Lookman by denying him his dream transfer, Udeze believe the Nigerian’s representatives deserve the larger portion of the blame. 

“If the President comes out to make that kind of statement, the club clearly needs Lookman,” Akpoborie said, per Brilla..

“Following that story, I won’t want to blame Lookman directly, but he is the one that carries his name and brand as a footballer. I will put the blame on his management.

“I believe they’re not competent enough, because before the transfer window opened, they were meant to have sorted out his issue. They let it drag, thinking he would be able to force himself out of the club. It’s very wrong.”

Akpoborie argued that Lookman should never have gone on strike, adding that the Nigerian owed the club for their contribution to his career. 

“Lookman owes Atalanta; that’s the team that made you get to the peak of your career. They pay your salary until you leave. So, you downing tools; refusing to train, is not acceptable. You have to show loyalty until you leave.”

“The person that is managing you had more than enough time. You’re the reigning African Footballer of the Year.

“You can go to almost any team in Europe and they won’t say no. The management should have done more. I know people in Europe today if I carry Lookman’s name and put it on the table, within two or three weeks he would have secured a big move.

“The boy has to look at his management team and go back to ask them questions about what they can really do for him.

“His agency isn’t doing a good job. If they were, they would have started handling these issues before last season even ended when they saw problems coming.”