Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has shared his thoughts on Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta amid his transfer row.
The Nigerian international is eager to join Inter Milan, with negotiations ongoing between the two Serie A clubs.
Earlier this month, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Lookman officially submitted his request to leave the club.
An improved Inter bid worth up to €45m (£32.1m), including add-ons, was rejected after a €40m offer for the 27-year-old was turned down.
The club is holding out for a minimum fee of €50 million for the reigning African Player of the Year,
The 27-year-old winger has since handed in a transfer request, skipped training, and reportedly flown to London, further straining relations with his club.
Speaking to journalist Oma Akatugba, Yakubu sympathised with Lookman but stressed that good guidance can change a player’s career, urging the embattled winger to align himself with experienced and trustworthy agents
He pointed to ex-NFF president Amaju Pinnick and former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta as people who could have helped negotiate better outcomes.
“I feel sorry for what Ademola Lookman is going through right now,” said Yakubu. “That’s why I always encourage players to surround themselves with strong personalities who can handle delicate negotiations. Amaju Pinnick would have done a good job or even Gaizka Mendieta—these are people with experience and strong reputations for getting things done the right way.”
The former Everton and Portsmouth striker went on to highlight Pinnick’s impact on his own career: “I see Pinnick as my second father. I remember when I had an offer from a club in Qatar, and he advised me against rushing the move because I was close to becoming a British citizen.
“These are the kinds of people our players need to work with—people who will protect their interests and help advance their careers,” he concluded.
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