West Ham targets Ademola Lookman. African footballers. West Ham United has entered the race to sign Atalanta’s star forward, Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian international has become a sought-after player, with elite clubs like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Real Madrid also expressing interest in securing his services. Atalanta reportedly values Lookman at over €69 million, making him one of the most expensive targets in the January transfer window.
Lookman, who has nine goals and five assists in just 15 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League this season, has proven himself as one of Europe’s top attacking players. His consistent performances have caught the attention of major clubs. During the summer, both Manchester United and PSG made bids for him, but Atalanta decided to hold on to their prized player.
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Italian journalist Paolo Paganini recently confirmed PSG’s ongoing interest in Lookman. The Parisian club sees him as a key player for their domestic and European ambitions. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, is also keen on the Nigerian forward as part of their squad overhaul. Lookman’s impressive hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final and his 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings have solidified his reputation as a top-tier player.
West Ham’s entry into the competition brings added intrigue. A return to the Premier League could appeal to Lookman, who began his career in England with Charlton Athletic and Everton. Despite having a contract with Atalanta until 2026, reports suggest Lookman is open to a new challenge.
If Lookman moves during the January window, the transfer fee is expected to surpass £60 million, potentially setting a new record for an African player. However, with Atalanta holding a strong position in negotiations, the saga promises to be one of the highlights of the upcoming transfer period.