Current Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was reportedly forced to stop pursuing the signing of Ademola Lookman after expressing interest in the Nigerian international during his time at Serie A outfit AS Roma.

According to La Repubblica, the veteran Portuguese tactician was eyeing a move for the English-born Nigerian after he was made available by RB Leipzig, but Roma kicked against the idea on the advice of the club's chief scout, Jose Fontes.

The former Leicester City loanee was offered to I Giallorossi a few months before their Europa Conference League triumph over Feyenoord in 2022, but the club rejected the idea after their evaluation.

The basis for advising against Lookman's signing was due to his “average positional sense, poor ability to anticipate after evaluating and making decisions after receiving the ball.”

The report went on to highlight the player's poor defensive contribution, mentality, and inability to perform under pressure.

“In the defensive phase he is elementary in terms of understanding the game. A player I have reservations about his competitive mentality, his confidence, and ability to perform under pressure.”

“He is very inconsistent in his performances. There are better solutions available to us, and I would not recommend hiring him.”

Lookman eventually joined Atalanta for a reported fee of €15 million, signing a four-year deal with Gian Piero Gasperini's side, and the rest is history.