With transfer rumours swirling since the spring of 2025, it looks increasingly likely that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will leave Atalanta BC in the summer window. The move could mark a pivotal step in the 27-year-old’s career, offering a shot at silverware, a higher salary, and a new challenge. While interest from abroad remains strong, the most credible reports suggest Lookman could stay in Italy—but join a different Serie A club.
What Is Ademola Lookman’s Salary at Atalanta?
Despite playing a crucial role for Atalanta in the 2024/25 season and recording 27 goal contributions, Lookman remains outside the club’s top-five earners. He has not renewed his deal since arriving and currently earns:
- Annual Salary: €2,310,000
- Monthly: €192,500
- Weekly: €44,423
- Daily: €6,346
In Nigerian Naira, this equates to roughly ₦4.17 billion per year. His contract is set to expire on June 30, 2026, but with increasing transfer interest and no sign of a new deal, Atalanta appear more inclined to sell than offer a raise.
Who Could Sign Lookman Next?
There are no confirmed negotiations yet, but three main groups of clubs have emerged as potential suitors:
1. Premier League Return
Top English sides are monitoring Lookman’s situation:
- Liverpool FC have scouted him as a backup attacking option, but after spending €125 million on Florian Wirtz, they may not pursue further.
- Arsenal FC, where manager Mikel Arteta reportedly admires the Nigerian, remain hesitant due to stiff competition for his signature.
- Manchester United FC showed serious interest earlier, but their focus has seemingly shifted to another Nigerian star, Victor Osimhen.
2. Staying in Serie A
Among Italian clubs:
- SSC Napoli are actively pursuing Lookman to bolster their attack following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s expected departure. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is personally leading negotiations with Atalanta, though Napoli’s current bid is €10 million short of the asking price.
- Juventus FC are also in the mix but remain in the early stages of interest.
3. New Challenge in La Liga
Spanish interest is heating up:
- Atlético Madrid have begun talks, with coach Diego Simeone impressed by Lookman’s consistency and productivity. However, the €60 million price tag is a sticking point, and Atlético are working to negotiate it down.
- FC Barcelona have recently entered the race. With Lookman’s contract expiring next year, he is seen as a cost-effective option who could add versatility and experience to their squad.
Career Salary Comparison: Premier League Still Pays Best
Though Lookman has thrived in Serie A, his most lucrative contracts were in the English Premier League. Notably, his time on loan at Fulham and Leicester City proved both financially and statistically rewarding.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
Atalanta BC (2022/2024) |
€ 2,310,000 |
4,167,193,292 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Leicester City F.C. (2021/2022) |
€ 2,417,297 |
4,360,754,910 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Fulham F.C.(2020/2021) |
€ 3,050,060 |
5,502,246,568 Nigerian Nairas |
|
RB Leipzig (2019/2020) |
€ 1,400,000 |
2,525,571,692 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Everton F.C. (2018/2019) |
€ 1,417,200 |
2,556,600,144 Nigerian Nairas |
|
RB Leipzig (2017/2018) |
€ 1,330,000 |
2,399,293,107 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Charlton Athletic F.C./ Everton F.C. (2016/2017) |
€ 1,417,200 |
2,556,600,144 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Charlton Athletic F.C. (2015/2016) |
€ 24,884 |
44,890,233 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value Skyrockets in Italy
Before joining Atalanta in 2022, Lookman’s value fluctuated due to inconsistent output. No club had paid more than €20 million for him. But his move to Italy changed everything. In three years, he has:
- Delivered over 70 goal contributions
- Helped Atalanta win their first-ever European trophy
- Increased his market value sixfold
According to Transfermarkt, Lookman is now worth €60 million—up from just €10 million in 2022.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Atalanta BC |
2025 |
€ 60,000,000 |
|
Atalanta BC |
2024 |
€ 40,000,000 |
|
Atalanta BC |
2023 |
€ 30,000,000 |
|
Leicester City F.C. |
2022 |
€ 10,000,000 |
|
Fulham F.C. |
2021 |
€ 11,000,000 |
|
RB Leipzig |
2020 |
€ 10,000,000 |
|
Everton F.C. |
2019 |
€ 20,000,000 |
|
RB Leipzig |
2018 |
€ 12,000,000 |
|
Everton F.C. |
2017 |
€ 5,000,000 |
|
Charlton Athletic F.C. |
2016 |
€ 1,500,000 |
Final Thoughts
While Lookman’s future is still undecided, growing interest from La Liga clubs—especially Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona—could tempt him away from Italy. With just one year left on his contract, Atalanta may be forced to sell for less than the full €60 million valuation. Wherever he lands next, Lookman is poised for the most important move of his career.
