Atalanta keen to keep Lookman
Europa League champions Atalanta are actively working on a contract renewal for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, whose current deal expires in 2026, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The proposed extension includes a substantial salary increase, as the club is determined to keep him in Bergamo for as long as possible as Lookman continues to draw the attention of several top European clubs, with PSG, Manchester United, and Real Madrid among the most interested.
However, despite PSG’s concrete attempt to sign the Nigerian winger last summer, none of these clubs have made any significant moves in recent weeks.
With the team contending for the Scudetto and performing well in the Champions League, a January departure seems highly unlikely. Atalanta have made it clear they do not wish to lose key players mid-season.
Italian journalist Paolo Paganini recently confirmed that PSG’s interest in Lookman remains strong. “He is on Paris Saint-Germain’s shopping list, but it remains to be seen if Atalanta can do without someone like Lookman in January,” Paganini said.
But according to sources in Italy, Atalanta have internally decided that Lookman would not be released before their crucial Champions League match against Barcelona on January 29, just days before the transfer window closes on February 2.
Looking ahead, the situation may shift in June, particularly if contract renewal talks stall.
Atalanta value Lookman at €60–€70m, a figure both PSG and Manchester United consider reasonable given his talent.
The 27-year-old’s performances this season have cemented his status as one of Europe’s top attacking talents, with nine goals and five assists in 15 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.
Lookman’s meteoric rise since his €15m move to Atalanta in 2022 has been remarkable. The 27-year-old forward made headlines last season with a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a European Cup final.
His exploits also earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings and nominations for prestigious awards, including the CAF Men’s Player of the Year and the Globe Soccer Awards’ Best Men’s Player.
