Atalanta are making significant efforts to retain Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, with the club offering an enhanced contract to secure his presence at Gewiss Stadium until at least 2027. This move is seen as a strategic response to rising interest from European football giants who have been eyeing Lookman’s talents following his strong performances this season.
Reports from Bergamo & Sports journalist Luciano Rota indicate that Atalanta, also known as “La Dea,” intend to double Lookman’s current wages as part of their attempt to fend off competing clubs.
The new contract offer would see Lookman’s salary rise to an impressive €3.5 million per year. This proposed deal signifies Atalanta’s confidence in Lookman’s abilities and their desire to maintain him as a central figure in their lineup as they push for both domestic and European success.
Lookman’s growing value is hardly surprising. The forward, now 27, has been attracting attention from top-tier clubs across Europe due to his outstanding form.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning Ligue 1 champions, reportedly reached an agreement with Lookman on personal terms this past summer. However, despite Lookman’s apparent readiness to move to the French capital, Atalanta ultimately blocked the transfer, determined to keep him as a crucial component of their squad.
With Lookman’s current contract set to expire in two years, Atalanta’s proactive approach to offering an extension highlights the club’s ambition to retain top talent amid increased competition. The Italian club recognizes that Lookman’s stock has risen even higher after his stellar performances at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Nigerian international has quickly established himself as one of the standout players in Serie A, with his skill, speed, and eye for goal making him a key player for the Bergamo-based club.
Lookman’s remarkable ascent in European football has also been recognized on the global stage. His achievements were acknowledged at the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished 14th an impressive feat that further underscored his standing among the world’s elite footballers. Additionally, Lookman’s performances have made him a strong contender for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, an honor that would affirm his status as one of Africa’s top players.
The Nigerian star joined Atalanta from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2022, making an immediate impact in Serie A with his dynamic playstyle and consistent scoring ability.
Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, contributing not only through his goals but also with his leadership on the field. Atalanta’s decision to block the PSG transfer reflects their commitment to building a competitive squad, with Lookman at the heart of their ambitions.
Looking ahead, the upcoming summer transfer window is expected to reignite interest from Europe’s top clubs, many of whom have been monitoring Lookman’s progress closely. Atalanta are well aware that, despite their recent offer, they may face renewed pressure to let Lookman go should he continue to perform at a high level.
However, the proposed contract extension demonstrates their willingness to invest in his future at the club, aiming to deter potential suitors with a lucrative financial package.
Atalanta’s determination to retain Lookman is also rooted in the club’s broader objectives within Italian and European football. Having recently emerged as the UEFA Europa League champions, Atalanta are focused on establishing themselves as a consistent force in European competitions.
Retaining players of Lookman’s caliber is essential to this mission, as his presence enhances their competitiveness against stronger and more financially powerful clubs.
The club’s faith in Lookman also reflects their confidence in his potential to achieve even greater heights. Since joining Atalanta, he has shown remarkable growth in his game, mastering the physical and tactical demands of Italian football while showcasing a keen sense for attacking play.
His ability to adapt and thrive in different leagues, including the Bundesliga and Serie A, underscores his versatility and resilience qualities that have made him a valuable asset for Atalanta.
For Lookman, the decision to stay with Atalanta or move to a bigger club is likely to be a challenging one. While the proposed contract offer represents a significant increase in earnings and a vote of confidence from his current club, the prospect of joining one of Europe’s elite teams could be tempting for a player at his peak.
A potential move to a club like PSG would offer Lookman the chance to compete for major honors in one of Europe’s most high-profile leagues, an opportunity that many players find difficult to pass up.
Yet, the offer from Atalanta is more than just a financial incentive. It symbolizes the club’s belief in Lookman’s abilities and their commitment to building a team that can challenge for top honors.
Staying in Bergamo would allow Lookman to continue his development in a supportive environment, where he has already established himself as a fan favorite and a key player.
His contributions have been instrumental in Atalanta’s recent success, and remaining with the club could provide him with further opportunities to cement his legacy in Italian football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Lookman’s future will undoubtedly be a topic of much speculation.
For now, however, Atalanta have made their intentions clear: they want to keep their star forward for the long term. By proposing this new contract, the club is sending a strong message that they are ready to compete with Europe’s biggest clubs for top talent.
Whether Lookman will choose to stay or pursue new challenges remains to be seen, but his impact on Atalanta and his rising profile in European football are undeniable.
