Ademola Lookman: Atalanta’s Europa League hero tempted with ₦16 billion Saudi offer

Ademola Lookman is rumoured to be negotiating with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, with the club keen to acquire the Nigerian from the Serie A club Atalanta.  

Lookman, 26, netted 17 goals in all competitions for La Dea last season, including a historic hat-trick in the club’s Europa League success against a Bayer Leverkusen side that entered the final undefeated. 

The Nigerian’s future has been the subject of much speculation since, with Premier League clubs and LaLiga side Barcelona said to be keen on the Super Eagles man. 

However, no concrete interest materialised, and Al-Ittihad are the new name being mentioned to be keen on the prolific forward. 

According to the report, the Saudi club have offered $30 million (around €28 million) to the Bergamo outfit, while tempting the Nigerian with a $10.5 million (€9.8/₦16 billion) per season offer.

Breaking it down, that would be $200,000 (€189,000/₦310m) per week, which is a significant improvement on his current €44,000 per week contract.  

It remains to be seen if Lookman accepts personal terms to move to Saudi at 26, with the forward still at the top of his game and possibly even entering his best years. However, the lure of a high-earning transfer could see the prolific attacker leave European football.