Former Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has branded Super Eagles forward Akemola Lookman as “ungrateful” following the player’s departure from Atalanta’s training amidst a transfer stand-off. Marino criticised Lookman’s decision to go on strike, accusing him of contradicting the club that nurtured his rise. He affirmed that Atalanta agreed to a sale abroad and rejected rivals like Inter due to their inability to match the club’s €50 million valuation.
The controversy follows remarks by former coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who labelled Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers” after his missed spot-kick against Club Brugge in a critical Champions League playoff. Lookman hit back, calling the criticism “deeply disrespectful” and defending his performance record.
Lookman has now submitted a formal transfer request, citing what he calls “broken promises” and “poor treatment” by Atalanta despite prior assurances that a move would be permitted under suitable terms such as the €45 million offer from Inter he believed matched agreement expectations.
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Editorial
We believe this saga exposes an alarming tension often found in modern football: the friction between player ambition and club loyalty.
Lookman’s timeline from hero of a Europa League final to labelled scapegoat exemplifies how fragile reputations can be. When Gasperini called him “one of the worst penalty takers,” he triggered wider questions about hierarchy, respect, and narrative within a football team. Lookman defended himself passionately, not to shift blame, but to assert agency.
Marino’s accusation of ingratitude further escalates the story. But we must ask: gratitude is earned on both ends. Lookman shows loyalty in his respect for Atalanta’s platform; yet clubs must also honour testaments made to players in private. Public pressure and pending frustration reveal unspoken fractures not just contracts.
This isn’t merely a quarrel. It suggests a failure of communication and mutual respect. If rooted promises were not fulfilled, if communication broke down, the transfer request is more than symbolism it is assertion.
Football needs space for evolution. At 27, Lookman is in his prime a goal-scorer, workhorse, and African Player of the Year. Yet he’s now under suspension unseen at training, walking a path of principled protest. Perhaps clubs must adapt to players with voice and vision and not view them as liabilities over ambition.
Did You Know?
- Lookman scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, helping Atalanta claim their first-ever European trophy.
- He missed his designated spot-kick after replacing the proper taker on Gasperini’s instruction—a fact Lookman cites to defend himself.
- As of August 2025, Lookman had scored 15 goals in Serie A last season and amassed 52 goals plus 25 assists in 118 appearances for Atalanta.
- Fans displayed banners in support during training one read “Thanks Lookman. Do not be afraid to take the penalty.”
- Inter Milan has submitted two bids for Lookman €45 million and a stronger second offer matching Atalanta’s valuation but the club refuses a domestic transfer.
