Bayern Munich has confirmed its interest in Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, reports Kicker, backing up earlier claims from various media outlets. In line with their end-of-summer transfer strategy, the Bundesliga champions have submitted a loan proposal to Atalanta Bergamo, Lookman’s current Serie A club. The deal reportedly includes an option for Bayern to make the move permanent, providing flexibility for the club while minimizing immediate financial risk.
The move comes as Bayern continues to seek attacking reinforcements late in the transfer window. This strategy mirrors their efforts to secure other forwards on loan with purchase options, highlighting a pattern in the club’s transfer approach.
Lookman’s career journey
Ademola Lookman, now 27, is best remembered for a remarkable performance against Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023/24 season. In that match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Lookman scored a hat trick, handing Xabi Alonso’s side their only defeat of the entire campaign and ruining what had been a near-perfect season for the Werkself.
Before his exploits at Atalanta, Lookman’s career experienced ups and downs. After being bought by RB Leipzig for €18 million from Everton, he struggled to make an impact in Germany. Leipzig loaned him twice to the Premier League—first to Fulham, then to Leicester City—without much success. As a result, his market value dropped to a low of €9 million in 2021. Leipzig eventually sold him to Atalanta in August 2022 for around €11 million, and his value has since risen dramatically to an estimated €60 million.
Bayern’s transfer strategy and other targets
Bayern’s proposed loan for Lookman reportedly comes with an €28 million automatic purchase option, which can be triggered based on appearance clauses. This approach is similar to the club’s ongoing attempt to secure Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson on loan. Additionally, Bayern are pursuing RB Leipzig forward Loïs Openda under comparable terms.
These moves demonstrate Bayern’s preference for low-risk, high-reward deals for attacking players, allowing them to strengthen the squad while retaining financial flexibility. By targeting players like Lookman, Jackson, and Openda, Bayern aims to maintain competitiveness at the top of the Bundesliga while preparing for potential departures or squad rotation needs.
