Sports
Italian Agent Wants Ademola Lookman To Leave Atalanta
Alessandro Barison, the agent of Italian-born Nigerian defender Caleb Okoli, has expressed strong anticipation regarding the future of Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman, suggesting that the forward deserves to join a top European club by next summer.
This optimism comes on the heels of Ademola Lookman’s impressive performance for Atalanta over the past two seasons, which has captured the attention of several high-profile teams.
Lookman, who notably ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, was the subject of intense speculation during the previous summer transfer window.
Reports indicated that he was on the verge of making a significant move to PSG, a transfer that ultimately fell through due to the firm stance of his Serie A club.
In a recent interview with OKC on Wednesday, Barison voiced his admiration for Lookman, highlighting not only his footballing talents but also his character.
“I have a great deal of respect for him. I had the opportunity to meet him through Okoli, and I can confidently say that he is incredibly humble,” Barison remarked.
He continued, “Next year could be pivotal for him. While Atalanta, also known affectionately as the Goddess, is a fantastic club, I genuinely believe that Lookman has the potential to elevate his career by playing for one of Europe’s elite teams.”
Lookman has experienced a breakout season during the 2023-2024 campaign, playing a crucial role in leading Atalanta to victory in the Europa League.
His standout performance in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a historic hat-trick, further underscored his capabilities on the biggest stage.
Additionally, his contributions were instrumental in helping the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
His good form did not go unnoticed, as Lookman was named Atalanta’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year.
Throughout the season, he achieved a remarkable milestone, amassing a total of twenty-seven goal involvements, comprising 17 goals and 10 assists, across 45 matches in all competitions.