AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has revealed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is among the toughest opponents he has faced in Serie A, admitting he was relieved that the attacker did not complete a move to Inter Milan during last summer’s transfer window.
Tomori made the remarks in an interview with The Athletic while reflecting on some of the most challenging attackers he has encountered during his time in the Italian top flight.
Lookman, who represents Nigeria at international level, had been strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan last summer, but Atalanta reportedly refused to sell the forward to their domestic rivals for a fee below €50m. The proposed deal eventually collapsed, leaving the winger to continue his career elsewhere.
The forward spent the first part of the campaign in Bergamo before completing a move to Spanish side Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window. Since arriving in Spain, Lookman has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 10 appearances across all competitions.
His performances have also helped Atletico Madrid reach the final of this year’s Copa del Rey, where they are scheduled to face Real Sociedad at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville on April 18.
Speaking about some of the most difficult attackers he has faced in Serie A, Tomori mentioned several high-profile names, including Paulo Dybala and Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez.
According to the England international, Dybala is particularly dangerous because of the way he finds space in attacking areas, while Martinez’s movement constantly troubles defenders.
Tomori added that Lookman also presents a significant challenge whenever they face each other, noting that the Nigerian forward’s constant movement makes him difficult to contain.
He explained that familiarity with Lookman may also contribute to the challenge, as the two players share a friendly relationship off the pitch.
The defender disclosed that he even spoke with Lookman when the proposed move to Inter Milan failed, joking that their friendship might have been affected if the transfer had gone through.
Tomori said he told the winger that if he had joined Inter Milan, they might no longer have remained friends, a remark he made humorously while reflecting on their relationship.
The 28-year-old centre-back also praised Lookman’s national team teammate, Victor Osimhen, describing the striker as relentless in his style of play and noting that he never stops running throughout matches.
Tomori, who previously had the option of representing Nigeria at international level but chose to play for England, has been a key figure for AC Milan since initially joining the club on loan before completing a permanent transfer.
During his five years with the Italian giants, the defender has made more than 200 appearances for the club, establishing himself as an important part of Milan’s defence in domestic and European competitions.
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