Surprise bidder enters Lookman race, set to table audacious offer to Atalanta

Published on by Andrew Randa

Ademola Lookman has had an explosive year for both club and country, becoming the sought-after star that many top clubs are vying to sign.

As the hero of the Europa League final, Lookman’s name is unsurprisingly stirring up this summer's transfer window in Italy.

Surprise bidder enters Ademola Lookman race, set to table audacious offer to Atalanta
©Justina Aniefiok/BackpagePix

Will Super Eagles star be tempted by Saudi money?

While several European giants have shown interest, it is Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad that has surprisingly made the first official move for the Nigerian international.

A representative of the 26-year-old forward revealed to sources in Italy, “We have received an official offer from Al Ittihad, but no offer has yet been made to Atalanta, as the Saudi club first wants to reach an agreement with us.”

Despite no negotiations yet between Atalanta and Al Ittihad, Ademola Lookman's agent confirmed the interest of several European clubs in his client.

“There are also inquiries from other European clubs about the player's future and his stance on a potential departure. We will see what is best for the player and discuss it with his club,” he stated.

Spectacular season for Ademola Lookman

Lookman’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed. In January, his four goals propelled the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, Lookman's impressive display earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Surprise bidder enters Ademola Lookman race, set to table audacious offer to Atalanta
Photo by Icon Sport

For Atalanta, Lookman scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in Serie A.

His crowning achievement came in the Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick in the final to lead his team to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

In total, Lookman netted five goals and added one assist in 11 Europa League appearances as he was named Atalanta's Player of The Season.

The former Fulham player’s future remains uncertain, but a potential return to England cannot be ruled out.

Although he is under contract in Italy until 2026, Atalanta might consider selling if a significant offer comes through.

Lookman’s remarkable season has made him a highly coveted player in the transfer market, and his next move will be keenly watched by fans and clubs alike.

Surprise bidder enters Lookman race, set to table audacious offer to Atalanta

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)