West Ham United is reportedly the latest club to join the race for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who has already piqued the interest of prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. The Premier League team is currently assessing the winger’s situation as they prepare for a potential move in the January transfer window. Atalanta has set a considerable price tag of over £60 million for Lookman, reflecting his impressive value as a rising star in European football. His stock has significantly increased due to his performance this season, where he has notched an impressive nine goals and five assists in just 15 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.
Lookman’s consistent excellence on the pitch has attracted the attention of various elite clubs, particularly Manchester United and PSG, which both attempted to secure his services during the previous summer transfer window. According to Italian journalist Paolo Paganini, PSG continues to view Lookman as a pivotal addition to their squad. He reported that Lookman remains on PSG’s radar, raising questions about Atalanta’s ability to let go of such a crucial player mid-season. Furthermore, Manchester United is reportedly gearing up to contend with PSG for Lookman’s signature during the summer, as new manager Ruben Amorim has identified the forward as an essential component of his plans to revitalize the team at Old Trafford.
Ademola Lookman’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable since his €15 million transfer to Atalanta in 2022. One of the highlights of his career came during the last season when he made history in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final. His extraordinary performances have not only solidified his place as one of Europe’s top talents but also earned him significant individual accolades, including a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings and nominations for prestigious awards such as CAF Men’s Player of the Year and Globe Soccer Awards’ Best Men’s Player.
Despite having a contract with Atalanta that runs until 2026, sources indicate that Lookman is open to new challenges, which could weigh in favor of a transfer. With just 18 months left on his current deal, Atalanta might consider selling him for the right price, especially if it leads to a record-breaking transfer. The anticipated fee could potentially exceed £60 million, a figure that would surpass the €83 million Napoli paid for star striker Victor Osimhen, marking a historic shift for African players in the transfer market.
West Ham’s growing interest in Lookman injects additional complexity into the ongoing transfer saga. A potential return to the Premier League, where Lookman launched his career with Charlton Athletic and Everton, could strongly appeal to him. However, competition for his signature promises to be fierce, particularly given PSG’s substantial financial backing, Manchester United’s ambitious rejuvenation efforts, and Real Madrid’s apparent interest. Atalanta remains in a powerful negotiating position, but Lookman’s ambition for a fresh opportunity may drive him toward a move, and with interest from top European clubs escalating, the January transfer window is poised to bring significant developments in this transfer narrative.
In summary, the prospect of Ademola Lookman leaving Atalanta for a major European club is increasingly likely, with multiple top-tier teams expressing interest in his exceptional talents. West Ham’s late entry into the race adds an intriguing dynamic, indicating that Lookman’s future could unfold in various compelling directions. His current form and the mounting interest ensure that both he and Atalanta remain at the center of intense transfer speculation as fans and analysts alike await what promises to be a fascinating winter transfer window.
