Former Italian footballer Ciro Ferrara has sparked debate by suggesting that Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman would have faced challenges securing regular playing time had his proposed summer transfer to Inter Milan gone through. Lookman’s potential move to Inter was a major talking point during the transfer window, with the Nigerian forward pushing for an exit from Atalanta. He boycotted training for over a week and removed Atalanta-related content from his social media to force the transfer.
Despite Inter agreeing to personal terms, including a five-year deal, Atalanta’s CEO Antonio Percassi blocked the move, refusing to sell to a Serie A rival and citing a promise to let Lookman leave in 2025. Inter’s final €45m offer was rejected, leading the club to abandon negotiations.
Ferrara, speaking to lnerazzurro, argued that Lookman would have struggled to fit into Inter’s tactical system under coach Cristian Chivu. “Lookman would have been on the bench at Inter. To insert him, you would have had to change a lot, starting with the formation,” Ferrara said, noting that Inter’s established setup would have limited Lookman’s role.
Lookman, who has made three appearances for Atalanta this season without scoring or assisting, started his first Serie A match against Como but was substituted in the 73rd minute after a lackluster performance.
