Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman is the centre of a heated transfer battle this summer. Following a stellar season with Atalanta, where he notched 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, Lookman has become a coveted target for several top European clubs.
Lookman’s brilliance was instrumental in propelling Atalanta to a coveted fourth-place finish in Serie A. He further cemented his hero status by leading the charge in their UEFA Europa League triumph, with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
These impressive displays haven’t gone unnoticed by European giants. Renowned clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all reportedly interested in securing Lookman’s talents. A return to the Premier League, where he previously played for Everton, seems to be Lookman’s preference, and a lucrative offer from a top English club could seal the deal.
However, a surprise contender has emerged from the East. Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad has officially submitted a bid for Lookman to Atalanta, as reported by Soccernet.ng. This move highlights the growing financial muscle of Saudi clubs in the transfer market.
Al Ittihad’s offer is a two-pronged attack. They’ve proposed a €30 million transfer fee to Atalanta, which might fall short of the Italian club’s €60 million valuation. The real sweetener lies in the potential salary for Lookman. Al Ittihad reportedly intends to offer him a staggering €10.5 million (roughly ₦17 billion) per year. This astronomical sum could be a tempting proposition for any player, and it throws a whole new dimension into the transfer saga.
At the moment, Atalanta remains tight-lipped on their decision. They might be considering holding out for a higher transfer fee from a European club, especially if a Premier League team enters the fray with a more enticing offer.
Lookman himself seems to have his heart set on a return to England. The chance to prove himself in the Premier League and potentially represent his national team more regularly could be a strong motivating factor.
