By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Ademola Lookman’s unsettled summer could take a new turn, with Atalanta preparing to open negotiations over a contract extension for the Nigeria international.
The 27-year-old forward, who pushed for a move during the transfer window, is now expected to be offered an improved deal that includes a pay rise and a clause to ease any future transfer.
Lookman, whose current contract runs until 2027, has become central to Atalanta’s rise on the European stage. His stunning hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen elevated him to stardom in Italy and cemented his reputation as one of the club’s most decisive players.
The winger was linked with Inter Milan and several Premier League sides this summer, but with no deal materialising, he returned to action last weekend in Atalanta’s 3–0 win at Torino. Since joining the Bergamo club, Lookman has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 119 appearances, including 20 goals last season alone.
Head coach Ivan Juric confirmed the Super Eagles forward is close to regaining full fitness ahead of today’s clash with Juventus. “He’s training well, and slowly, we will try to get him back to full strength,” Juric told reporters.
Juric acknowledged frustration with Atalanta’s opening-day draw against Pisa but said the team has since “unlocked in attack.” Looking ahead to Juventus, he praised Igor Tudor’s squad depth and highlighted Kenan Yildiz as “a complete player” his side must contain.
Lookman, meanwhile, will be eager to rediscover top form in time for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in October.
