Liverpool have reportedly made significant progress in their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, with the 27-year-old Atalanta star emerging as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. Lookman has been in excellent form this season, contributing 17 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
This has attracted interest from several top clubs, but Liverpool have reportedly taken concrete steps towards securing his services for the upcoming summer transfer window.
While Arsenal has also shown interest in the reigning CAF Player of the Year, it appears that Liverpool are further along in their pursuit, viewing Lookman as an ideal option to fill the void if Salah were to depart at the end of the season.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has been surrounded by speculation, especially following a public fallout with manager Gian Piero Gasperini after a missed penalty in a Champions League match against Club Brugge. This has led to increased rumors about his potential departure, with Atalanta reportedly willing to sell if offers around €65 million (£53.8m) are received.
The Premier League isn’t the only destination for Lookman, with Newcastle United and Manchester United also keeping tabs on the forward. Newcastle, in particular, have shown keen interest due to Lookman’s versatility in playing both as a winger and a central striker, with scouts already watching him in action.
Lookman’s reputation has grown since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, and he has become one of Serie A’s most prolific attackers, amassing 49 goals and 23 assists in 107 appearances for the club.
His stock rose even further after a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, and he followed this up by leading Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he was named Africa’s best player in 2024.
Having begun his Premier League career with Everton in 2017 and also played for RB Leipzig and Fulham, Lookman’s familiarity with English football could make him a natural fit for Liverpool as they prepare for the possibility of life without Salah.
The Egyptian forward’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and despite ongoing talks, Salah has not yet agreed to new terms, with Saudi Arabian clubs continuing to show interest in him.
Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, and head coach, Arne Slot, are said to be working on contingency plans in case Salah leaves, and Lookman’s goal-scoring ability, versatility, and experience in high-pressure situations make him a prime candidate for the role. Other European heavyweights, including Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Inter Milan, are also monitoring Lookman’s situation closely, with PSG having previously shown interest last summer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Lookman’s future looks increasingly uncertain, but his impressive form and versatility ensure that he remains one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.
