Liverpool ‘Ready to Bid’ £37m to Sign ‘Spectacular’ Serie A Forward – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Set to Test Atalanta’s Resolve with £37m Bid for Ademola Lookman

In a recent scoop from Fichajes, it’s reported that Liverpool are preparing to make a significant bid for Ademola Lookman, the standout forward from Atalanta. As Liverpool looks to bolster their attacking options, Lookman has emerged as a prime target, with the club reportedly ready to table a €45 million (£37 million) offer.

Lookman’s Resurgence in Italy

Despite a less impactful stint at Everton, where he managed only four goals and two assists in 48 appearances, Lookman has transformed his fortunes in Serie A. At Atalanta, he has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 49 goals and providing 22 assists across 108 appearances. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him back-to-back Player of the Season awards for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons and leading his team to a Europa League triumph last year.

Photo: IMAGO

“Lookman was also named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football Awards in Marrakech in December,” further solidifying his status as one of the continent’s premier talents.

Competition Heats Up for Nigerian Star

The interest in Lookman isn’t limited to just Liverpool. Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race, with identical €45 million bids reported. This triangulation of interest could complicate Liverpool’s pursuit, especially considering Atalanta’s preference to sell abroad, potentially to a club outside Italy like Liverpool.

The competition isn’t just domestic, as international giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan have also shown interest, according to sources close to TEAMtalk. This widespread interest could drive Atalanta to hold out for their reported asking price of €65 million (£54 million), significantly higher than Liverpool’s initial offer.

Challenges Ahead for Liverpool

While Liverpool’s interest is strong, the financial aspect may pose a significant hurdle. TEAMtalk suggests that Liverpool’s offer of £37 million is likely to fall short of Atalanta’s valuation by around £17 million. This gap could be a decisive factor in the bustling race for Lookman’s signature.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, with Lookman’s falling out with Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, his departure seems inevitable, making the timing of Liverpool’s bid crucial. The strategic positioning and negotiations in the coming weeks will be key to any potential deal.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the potential acquisition of Ademola Lookman could be seen as both an exciting prospect and a somewhat cautious gamble. His proven track record in Serie A with Atalanta, highlighted by a dramatic improvement in his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, presents a stark contrast to his earlier days at Everton.

However, the main concern lies in the transfer fee and the competition from other clubs. With a bid that’s significantly lower than Atalanta’s asking price, Liverpool might need to reassess their strategy to secure his services. This situation might require either a higher initial offer or creative structuring of add-ons to meet Atalanta’s valuation closer.

As Arne Slot looks to shape his squad, adding a player of Lookman’s calibre could indeed enhance Liverpool’s attacking dynamics, particularly given his ability to perform on big occasions as seen in the Europa League final. Yet, the deal’s success hinges on Liverpool’s willingness to meet the financial demands and outmanoeuvre competitors, ensuring Lookman’s next chapter unfolds at Anfield.