‘I don't know why they won't let him leave’ - Super Eagles legend slams Atalanta following refusal to let sell Lookman

Lookman, a star for the Super Eagles and Atalanta, was reportedly a target for Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. 

However, the Europa League champions were firm in their decision not to sell the player to a domestic rival, despite receiving multiple offers.

Onazi drew parallels between Lookman's situation and the difficult exit of Victor Osimhen from Napoli. He also recalled his own transfer struggles with Lazio following Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2013.

Speaking on the Abu Azeez podcast, Onazi expressed his concerns about how Italian clubs handle transfer negotiations, particularly when significant offers are on the table.

"For Ademola, I don't know about Atalanta, but I know the Neapolitans are very aggressive," Onazi said, referencing Osimhen's contentious departure. 

"Ademola is very quiet, and sometimes that can be taken advantage of. Given he's done so well for the club, winning the UEFA Europa League, I don't know why they won't let him leave."

"It's not like he's leaving on a free deal. The club will make money; football is a business. They can bring another person in," he stated. 

"I think some of these Italian presidents and clubs need to do better because if you refuse to allow the player to go when a huge offer comes in, what happens when he doesn't play well in the next season? What if he's injured and his value drops?"

Onazi suggested that clubs often change their tune when a player's form or fitness declines, sometimes pushing for contract terminations. 

"According to what I heard, there was an agreement with the club, and now they are refusing to let him leave," Onazi added. "He has to continue the form and keep going so he can leave in the summer."

In other news, Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has showered praise on Ademola Lookman for the winger’s surprise early return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.