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5 players who could replace Ballon d’Or star Lookman if he leaves Atalanta

5 players who could replace Ballon d’Or star Lookman if he leaves Atalanta

  • Atalanta has resigned from losing CEO Ademola Lookman, no later than the 2025 summer transfer window
  • Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest and admitted he could leave soon
  • The Italian Serie A club will focus on potential young and similar players to fill the void he leaves behind

Atalanta are preparing for the possibility of losing Ademola Lookman this summer transfer window of 2025, with plans to replace the Nigerian.

Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022 and was the team’s best player for the first two years, winning the UEFA Europa League last season.

Ademola Lookman, Atalanta, Hellas Verona, Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy, Serie A.
Ademola Lookman celebrates after Atalanta’s fourth goal during the 5-1 win over Hellas Verona. Photo: Marco Luzzani.
Source: Getty Images

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed this La Gazzetta dello Sport that Paris Saint-Germain inquired about him, but despite a personal agreement, no deal could be made.

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Atalanta coach shares important update on Lookman’s future after Ballon d’Or award

Until Atalanta reported that the Bergamo club hopes to raise around 60 million euros from the sale of the Ballon d’Or nominee and reinvest in a potential younger player.

Short 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 inwards for a replacement for the Super Eagles forward. Teammate Mario Retegui is a similar player who can fill his shoes. The Argentina-born striker is already proving himself and is currently Serie A’s top scorer with ten goals and two assists in nine games.

2. Nico González

Gonzalez, owned by Fiorentina, was Atalanta’s first target when PSG came asking for Lookman in the summer, but Juventus won the battle and signed him on loan. The loan should be bought, but Bergamo’s side could take a dip if it is not activated.

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Why African players consistently underperform at the Ballon d’Or Awards

3. Federico Chiesa

Euro 2020 winner Chiesa was also on Atalanta’s radar when they inquired about Lookman’s replacement last summer. He joined Liverpool, but played only 78 minutes due to injury. The Reds are reportedly willing to loan him out to regain fitness, and a return to Italy could be an option.

4. Dennis Dragus

The Romanian international is a similar player to Lookman, a striker who can also operate on the wing. Dragus could be a tricky one as he just joined Turkish club Trabzonspor in June and was still adjusting 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 is yet to sign a new contract.

Lookman responds to Ballon d’Or nominee

Also read

Surprise Ballon d’Or winner emerges in ‘leaked’ result as Ademola Lookman misses out of top 15

Short news reported that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has done so deserved a spot shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The Atalanta star is the eighth Nigerian in history to reach the final thirty for the prestigious award. The Europa League star shared his reaction to this incredible honour.

Source: Legit.ng