Former Super Eagles Star Onazi Slams Atalanta Over Lookman Transfer Block
Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has launched a strong critique against Italian football clubs, specifically targeting Atalanta for their refusal to sell Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman despite serious transfer interest. Onazi's comments highlight growing concerns about player management practices in Serie A.
Onazi Questions Atalanta's Transfer Logic
Speaking on the Abu Azeez podcast, Onazi expressed frustration with Atalanta's decision to block Lookman's potential move, particularly after the player's successful contributions to the club. "It's not like he's leaving on a free deal. The club will make money and can bring another player in," Onazi stated, emphasizing that football should be treated as a business where both clubs and players benefit.
The former Lazio midfielder warned that preventing a player's desired transfer can have negative consequences. "Blocking a player's exit can backfire if form drops or injuries occur, reducing market value and creating tension between player and club," Onazi cautioned, drawing from his own experiences in Italian football.
Parallels with Osimhen's Napoli Exit
Onazi drew direct comparisons between Lookman's current situation and Victor Osimhen's difficult departure from Napoli last season. According to the former Super Eagles star, Italian clubs often demonstrate excessive rigidity in transfer negotiations, prioritizing short-term interests over long-term planning and player welfare.
"Sometimes when a player is quiet and professional, it can be taken advantage of," Onazi noted, suggesting that Lookman's reserved personality might be working against him in negotiations. He added that clubs frequently change their stance when a player's performance declines, sometimes pushing for contract terminations rather than protecting the player's value.
Lookman's Transfer Situation
Ademola Lookman, who starred for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and helped Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League, was heavily linked with a transfer to Inter Milan during the summer window. However, Atalanta remained firm in their refusal to strengthen a domestic rival, despite receiving multiple substantial offers.
Currently, Napoli have intensified their pursuit of the 28-year-old forward, with Italian outlet Il Mattino reporting ongoing discussions. However, Napoli's financial constraints and Atalanta's continued resistance complicate negotiations. The Bergamo club's improved attacking depth, including the return of Giacomo Raspadori, reduces their urgency to sell.
Broader Transfer Interest
Beyond Napoli, Lookman has attracted significant attention from several European clubs:
- Atletico Madrid monitoring the situation closely
- Galatasaray expressing strong interest
- West Ham United considering a potential move
This widespread interest underscores Lookman's rising status in European football following his 2024 CAF Player of the Year award and consistent performances for both club and country.
Onazi's Personal Experience
The former Super Eagles star reflected on his own struggles at Lazio after Nigeria's AFCON triumph in 2013, when he felt his career progression was hindered by poor communication and stalled transfer discussions. Onazi believes these repeated scenarios highlight systemic issues within Italian football administration that need addressing.
"If there was already an understanding between Lookman and Atalanta over a potential exit, the club should respect it rather than suddenly shifting its position," Onazi emphasized, calling for more transparent and player-friendly transfer practices.
Osimhen's Involvement
In a related development, Victor Osimhen has confirmed speaking to two of his Super Eagles teammates, including Lookman, about potential moves to Galatasaray. The Napoli striker disclosed that he discussed transfer possibilities with Lookman and Raphael Onyedika during the Super Eagles camp but emphasized that the final decision rests with the players themselves.
As the transfer window approaches its closing stages, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between player aspirations and club control in modern football, particularly within the Italian league system where transfer negotiations often become protracted and contentious.
