Former Watford manager Giuseppe Sannino has urged Atalanta to bring Ademola Lookman back into the squad, saying the Nigerian forward is too important to be left out.
Lookman had a troubled summer after Inter Milan made several offers for him.
The player even asked to leave and stopped training with the team. However, Atalanta refused to sell, and Inter pulled out of talks.
The 26-year-old, who was Africa’s Footballer of the Year in 2024, has since returned to training but is working alone.
New coach Ivan Juric did not include him in their first league match, which ended in a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Pisa.
Sannino, who has also coached Palermo, believes the club must move past the incident and focus on what Lookman brings to the pitch.
A Key Player Who Made History
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for less than €15 million. Since then, he has become one of their biggest stars.
His greatest moment came in the Europa League final last season, where he scored a hat trick to secure Atalanta’s first-ever European title. That performance is widely seen as the club’s biggest achievement in its history.
Sannino said, “I would always want Lookman. 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.”
Uncertain Future Amid Premier League Links
Despite his heroics, Lookman’s future is unclear. Reports suggest his representatives are speaking with Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle.
However, Atalanta are firm that they will not sell for a low price.
Juric reportedly wants him back in the team, but much will depend on the forward’s attitude and how he handles the next few weeks.
Lookman scored 20 goals across Serie A and the Champions League last season.
Keeping him in the squad could be vital for Atalanta’s push for more success, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.
