Lookman and Koopmeiners transfer cases ‘similar and not pleasant’ for Atalanta | OneFootball

Atalanta director Tony D’Amico admits it was ‘not pleasant’ to deal with Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman transfer cases, but he also read ‘too many things’ about his possible Milan appointment.

Atalanta sporting director D’Amico sees similarities between Lookman and Koopmeiners as both players pushed to leave Bergamo over the last year.

Koopmeiners ultimately joined Juventus in the 2024 summer transfer window, while Lookman is still at Atalanta, who rejected any offer below €50m from Inter during the latest transfer window.

Lookman and Koopmeiners cases ‘not pleasant’ for Atalanta

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus speaks to referee Clement Turpin during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Those were very similar cases, and not pleasant to go through,” D’Amico told Gazzetta.

“You have to manage the present while forgetting that these are guys with whom you shared a thousand things just yesterday. You’re forced to go beyond certain emotions that still cling to you. It’s tough.

D’Amico was also a candidate for the Milan sporting director role before the Rossoneri hired Igli Tare.

D’Amico red ‘too many things’ about Milan

epa11702421 Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi (L) and Atalanta Sporting Director Tony d’Amico watch a training session of the team at the Bortolotti training center in Zingonia, Italy, 05 November 2024. Atalanta will face VFB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on 06 November in Stuttgart. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“I’ve read too many things. For sure, I’ve never felt, not even for a single day, outside of Atalanta,” he said.

Lastly, D’Amico discussed his best deals as a sporting director and his biggest regret so far.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 29: Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United looks on during the warm up prior to UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray A.S. and Manchester United at Ali Sami Yen Arena on November 29, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

“I could mention Amrabat, who was taken on loan and then sold for €20m. But also Zaccagni. I found the key to help him mature in terms of character. However, when I was at Verona, I didn’t push enough to sign Scamacca from Sassuolo,” he concluded.