Liverpool has reportedly made contact regarding the potential signing of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, the Reds have shown significant interest in the 27-year-old Atalanta star, who has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 17 goals and providing 7 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal is also said to have made inquiries about Lookman, who was recently crowned CAF Player of the Year, but Liverpool’s interest appears to be more advanced. The Merseyside club views Lookman as a strong candidate to step into Salah’s role should the Egyptian forward leave Anfield at the end of the season. Salah’s future remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire in 2025 and reports indicating that he has yet to agree on a new deal, despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has been the subject of increasing speculation following a public disagreement with manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The manager criticized Lookman after he missed a penalty in a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge. Despite this, Atalanta is reportedly open to selling Lookman if they receive offers around €65m (£53.8m), and several top European clubs, including Liverpool, are monitoring the situation closely.
In addition to Liverpool, Premier League clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Lookman. Newcastle United has already sent scouts to watch him in action, with the forward’s versatility to play both as a winger and central striker appealing to the club.
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 and has since established himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers. He has scored 49 goals and registered 23 assists in 107 competitive matches for the Italian club. His stock soared last season after he scored a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen. He also played a key role in helping Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, leading to his being named Africa’s best player in 2024.
Lookman’s familiarity with English football, having played for Everton, RB Leipzig, and Fulham, makes him an attractive option for Liverpool, especially as the club prepares for a potential future without Salah. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Inter Milan are also reportedly keeping an eye on his situation, with PSG having previously shown interest in the Nigerian international.
Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are reportedly working on contingency plans, with Lookman emerging as a key target due to his proven goal-scoring ability, versatility, and experience in high-pressure situations.
