Two English Premier League giants, Manchester United and Liverpool, are set to open talks with Nigeria and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old has capped off a brilliant year by winning the CAF Player of the Year award last night in Morocco. He led Nigeria to the AFCON 2023 final and scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final to win Atalanta’s maiden European silverware.
In the past two years, the former RB Leipzig forward has established himself as one of the best attackers in the Italian Serie A, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists in 75 league games for La Dea.
As per Sky Sport CH, Liverpool and Manchester United have contacted Lookman’s agents ahead of a summer move to the English Premier League.
Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs till the summer of 2026, with the club holding the option to extend the deal for another year. However, according to the report, the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners are prepared to negotiate the Nigerian’s departure.
With just over a year left on his contract with Atalanta, London-born Lookman is keen to return to England, but his preferred destination is currently unknown.
Marcus Rashford has been put up for sale by Manchester United as they prepare to tailor their squad to Ruben Amorim’s needs. With the Portuguese tactician preferring to play a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3, Lookman would be a perfect fit as he can play down the flank or through the middle.
On the flip side, Liverpool are currently stacked on the left flank, but Lookman could be an option in the middle of the Merseysiders’ attack as Darwin Núñez has failed to live up to the billing of Arne Slot’s side.
As per Caught Offside, Atalanta value the former Leicester City winger at around £50 million, and will be demanding a fee in that range from Lookman’s suitors.
United have a slight advantage over Liverpool in Lookman’s pursuit, as they’ve done good business with Atalanta in the past, with the Red Devils landing Rasmus Højlund and Amad Diallo from the Italian side.