5 Players Who Can Replace Ballon d’Or Star Lookman When He Leaves Atalanta
- Atalanta have resigned to losing ace man Ademola Lookman, latest by the summer transfer window of 2025
- Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest and admitted he could leave soon
- The Italian Serie A club will target potential young and similar players to fill the void he will leave behind
Atalanta is bracing for the possibility of losing Ademola Lookman during the summer transfer window of 2025, with plans to replace the Nigerian.
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022 and has been the team's best player in the first two years, helping them win the UEFA Europa League last season.
Source: Getty Images
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed to La Gazzetta dello Sport that Paris Saint-Germain inquired about him, but despite a personal terms agreement, a deal could not be struck.
Tutto Atalanta reported that the Bergamo-based club is hoping to cash in about €60 million from the sale of the Ballon d'Or nominee and reinvest in a potentially younger player.
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Briefly News looks at five players who could replace the Super Eagles star at the Gewiss Stadium
Players who can replace Lookman
1. Mario Retegui
La Dea may have to look inward for a replacement for the Super Eagles forward. Teammate Mario Retegui is a similar player who can fill his boots. The Argentina-born attacker is already proving himself and is currently Serie A’s top scorer with 10 goals and two assists in nine games.
2. Nico Gonzalez
Fiorentina-owned Gonzalez was Atalanta’s first target when PSG came asking for Lookman in the summer, but Juventus won the battle, snapping him up on loan. The loan should be bought, but the Bergamo side could swoop if it is not triggered.
3. Federico Chiesa
Euro 2020 winner Chiesa was also on Atalanta's radar while they were inquiring about Lookman's replacement last summer. He joined Liverpool but played for only 78 minutes due to injury. The Reds are reportedly willing to move him on loan to regain his fitness, and a return to Italy could be an option.
4. Denis Dragus
The Romanian international is a similar player to Lookman, a forward who can also operate on the wing. Dragus could be a difficult one, having just joined Turkish club Trabzonspor in June and still adapting to life in the Super Lig.
5. Angel Gomes
Former Manchester United star Gomes is another versatile and young option for the Europa League winners to consider. He currently plays for Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille and will be a free agent in June 2025 as he has yet to sign a new contract.
Lookman reacts to Ballon d'Or nominee
Briefly News reported that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has earned a spot on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The Atalanta star is the eighth Nigerian in history to reach the final 30 for the prestigious award. The Europa League standout shared his reaction to this incredible honour.
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Source: Legit.ng
