Italian side Atalanta have rejected Liverpool’s approach for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Tuttosport, La Dea are unwilling to part ways with the newly crowned African Footballer of The Year, who has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 27-year-old, currently valued at €55 million, has been instrumental in Atalanta’s impressive run of 10 consecutive Serie A victories, which has placed them at the summit of the league table.
“Our plan is not to change anything in the January window”, Atalanta President Antonio Percassi said regarding Lookman’s future at the club.
The Nigeria international, who led Atalanta to their first European trophy with a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, has attracted interest from several European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Premier League champions Manchester City have also shown interest in another Atalanta star, Ederson, but the Italian club are determined to retain their key players until the end of the season.
Lookman’s market value has risen significantly in the past year, jumping from €30 million at the end of 2023 to his current valuation, making him Nigeria’s second most valuable player behind Victor Osimhen (€75 million).
“Lookman crowned his outstanding 2024 with the African Ballon d’Or on Monday, and rightly so3”, Transfermarkt’s Italy Area Manager, Jatin Dietl, said.
“The 27-year-old has been in top form for months and is the protagonist of Atalanta’s current lead in the table. He has also led his club to its first international title in history with the three goals against Leverkusen”.
Lookman, who finished 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, remains under contract with the Bergamo club until 2026.
