Ademola Lookman has experienced a rollercoaster of events this summer, from attempting to leave Atalanta to being named among the Ballon d’Or contenders, all while delivering key performances for the Nigerian national team. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Lookman has continued to make headlines on and off the pitch.
Transfer Drama and Absence from Atalanta
The forward’s summer began with him trying to force a move away from Atalanta. Lookman featured in Atalanta’s only match this season, the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid in Warsaw. Shortly after, he requested to be left out of a Serie A squad as rumors of interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain began to surface. However, no deal came to fruition, and he missed the first three games of the season before reintegrating into Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
Ballon d’Or Nomination and European Triumph
Despite the uncertainty over his future, Lookman’s stellar displays last season were recognized when he made it to the list of 30 players shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. A significant factor in this recognition was his outstanding performance in the Europa League Final, where he netted a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. This achievement cemented Lookman’s status as one of the standout players in European competitions.
Double Strike for Nigeria in AFCON Qualifier
On the international stage, Lookman made another impact, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Benin. The third goal came from Victor Osimhen, who made his first competitive appearance of the season following a summer in which he sought a move from Napoli. That transfer finally came through with a loan to Galatasaray, and Osimhen marked his return by coming off the bench to score.
Lookman’s eventful summer has been filled with both personal milestones and professional challenges, but he continues to shine for both club and country.
