Julius OkorieItalian Serie A side Atalanta may need to battle hard to keep Super Eagles star and current African footballer of the year in their fold at the next transfer window.
This follows a sudden rise in his market value after emerging African footballer of the year few days ago edging out top contenders Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe value of the Nigerian international has moved from €30 million to €55 million, making him the second most valuable Nigerian player behind Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen valued at €75 million with Leverkusen’ Victor Boniface at €45 million. Prior to emerging African footballer of the year, Lookman had finished in the 14th place in the Ballon d’or further underscoring his quality and market value.
READ ALSO :CAF Awards: Lookman Wins African Footballer of the Year, Takes over from Osimhen
The 27-year-old winger’s rise over the past two seasons has firmly established him among Nigeria’s top football talents. At the end of 2023, he was valued at €30 million, but a remarkable year saw an impressive €25 million increase in his market value, reflecting an 83.33% growth.
By June 2024, after delivering a standout performance in the UEFA Europa League final—scoring a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Leverkusen to clinch the club’s first European title—his valuation rose to €40 million.
Jatin Dietl, Transfermarkt’s Italy Area Manager, noted, “Lookman capped off his impressive 2024 with the African Ballon d’Or, and rightly so. He has been in exceptional form, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s success and leading the club to its first international title.”
Before reaching new height, Lookman attracted interest from major European clubs such as PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who expressed a desire to sign him last summer. However, retaining his talents may pose a challenge for Atalanta as the season progresses.
Despite the growing interest, Atalanta President Antonio Percassi has emphasized the club’s intention to keep Lookman during the January transfer window, stating, “Our plan is not to change anything in the January window,” regarding the forward’s future.
Atalanta’s submission is an indication that the club is ready to march suitors Euro for Euro and dollar for dollar ahead of the next transfer market. Lookman who is thankful to his teammates both at Atalanta and Super Eagles for their contributions to what he has achieved posted a picture of his return to base after the CAF award relaxed in a private jet, with the submission “God Is Great”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
