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

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

“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

“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.

“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.