By Korede James
Former Italy and Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano has criticised Napoli’s decision to sign AC Milan’s Noah Okafor on loan as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, instead of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman.
Kvaratskhelia left Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain early in the January transfer window and the Italian side were linked with several attacking options, including Lookman and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho but ended up signing Okafor.
Speaking to Viva El Futbol via IlNapoli, Cassano said: “I agree with what Conte said: either someone arrives who makes the difference, or it’s better to stay as it is. I don’t know what Napoli’s philosophy is now, but I’m convinced that the coach has an idea: with a player of a certain level, you win the championship.
“Conte was irritated because no one had been signed, and he’s right. In February, no one imagined that Napoli would be first, without conceding too many games, and what do you do? You take €75 million from Kvara and buy Okafor on loan. For me, it was the wrong strategy.
“So I say… you took 75 million, Lookman’s release clause (even if he’s injured now) is 55 million… you give them Raspadori and you take a ready player who makes the difference, knows Serie A, and Inter should be afraid.
“A huge mistake not to take a high-level player to replace Kvara. In my opinion, the club thought that arriving in the top four was a miracle and next year you can spend a nest egg.”
Lookman missed Atalanta’s Coppa Italia quarter-finals against Bologna on Tuesday night due to a knee injury.
He has scored 14 goals in 26 Atalanta appearances in all competitions this season.
