Former Italian footballer Paolo Di Canio has blasted Atalanta’s rumoured €50 million price tag for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, calling it “over the top.”
Speaking on Italian TV, Di Canio praised Lookman’s talent and impact since joining Atalanta but maintained that the club’s valuation is exaggerated compared to market trends.
In a conversation with Corriere della Sera, Di Canio said that Atalanta is asking too much from Inter Milan to sign Lookman and that La Dea is clear they want the full €50 million asking price, even if that amount is covered by additional performance-related bonuses.
“In the Premier League, they don’t even really know who Lookman is,” Di Canio said. “Asking €50 million for him is over the top. But Atalanta are just doing their job.
“The player, on the other hand, is behaving badly: you have to train with your team even if you want to leave. Show some integrity and be professional. The Percassi family has done very well so far not to give in to his show of force.”
The 26-year-old Lookman had an incredible season last year, which included a hat-trick in the Europa League final that gave Atalanta their first significant European trophy.
Top teams across Europe have expressed interest in him due to his performances, but Atalanta is reportedly keen to make a significant profit if they decide to sell.
