Eric Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles, has called on Atalanta to fully welcome back Ademola Lookman as the unsettled summer period in Bergamo appears to be settling, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 27-year-old attacker nearly transferred from the Europa League champions during the recent transfer window, with Inter Milan offering just over €40 million for his signature.
However, Atalanta rejected the bid, which led to Lookman’s frustration and his absence from the club’s pre-season preparations.
Previously a key player for Fulham and RB Leipzig, Lookman faced disciplinary action and was temporarily excluded from the squad, casting uncertainty over his future under new manager Ivan Juric.
Nonetheless, Eric Chelle is optimistic that the tension is easing, emphasizing that both the club and the player understand the importance of moving past the standoff quickly.
“It seems both parties are making concessions, which is encouraging,” Chelle shared with AfricaFoot.
“From what I gathered, Lookman was expected to leave last summer, but his representatives declined, which deeply affected him, as I observed during our meeting in September. Ademola is an exceptional talent but also a reserved individual who keeps his feelings private. I believe his management and the coaching team realized the squad’s need for him, and Ademola himself needs regular playing time.”
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Lookman made a brief return to action during Atalanta’s 3-0 loss to Torino on September 21, marking his first appearance this season.
He was then an unused substitute in the match against Juventus four days later, but is anticipated to feature in the upcoming Champions League fixture against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Having entrusted Lookman with significant playing time during Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers, Chelle is confident that the winger remains a vital asset who should not be overlooked.
“To those surprised by his inclusion, I explained that it’s hard to exclude a player of his caliber. Lookman was in excellent condition and training diligently because he is a consummate professional with high personal standards,” Chelle remarked.
“I spoke with him before the squad assembled and knew I could rely on him. Initially, I expected he might only manage around thirty minutes due to his lack of match fitness. It benefits both the club and the player for Ademola to get back on the field.”
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, former striker for both the Super Eagles and Everton, echoed these views, commending Lookman’s composed response to the challenges he faced.
“I understand how tough situations like this can be for a player,” Aiyegbeni told Footy-Africa.
“When a transfer you anticipate falls through, it can weigh heavily on your mindset. However, I applaud Lookman for his patience and Atalanta for reintegrating him. The key thing is that he’s back playing, where he excels at scoring and influencing games. Atalanta needs him, and he needs the club to continue advancing his career.”
Currently contracted to Atalanta until 2027, Lookman has earned 31 caps and scored eight goals for Nigeria.
With upcoming fixtures against Club Brugge and Como preceding Nigeria’s October qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, the forward has a valuable opportunity to regain his form and momentum.
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