Reds contact Lookman as Salah replacement
Liverpool has reportedly made initial contact to explore the possibility of signing Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman this summer as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
As per Sky Sports Switzerland, the Reds have taken significant steps towards acquiring the 27-year-old Atalanta forward, who has been in exceptional form this season, netting 17 goals and providing seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal is also said to have made inquiries about the reigning CAF Player of the Year, though their interest has not progressed as far as Liverpool’s, who view Lookman as an ideal candidate to step in should Salah leave Anfield at the end of the season.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has been a subject of growing speculation, particularly after a public fallout with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who criticized the Nigerian after he missed a penalty in their Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Atalanta is reportedly open to selling their star player if they receive offers around €65 million (£53.8 million), with several top European clubs closely monitoring the situation.
Liverpool is not alone in pursuing Lookman, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Manchester United also reportedly interested in the forward. According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies have already sent scouts to observe Lookman’s performances, with his versatility as both a winger and central striker making him an attractive option for the club.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has become one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers, with an impressive 49 goals and 23 assists in 107 competitive matches for the Italian club.
Lookman’s profile further rose after scoring a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen and leading Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final, ultimately being named Africa’s Player of the Year in 2024.
Having started his Premier League career with Everton in 2017, Lookman also had spells at RB Leipzig and Fulham. His familiarity with English football could make him an appealing option for Liverpool as they prepare for life without Salah, whose contract is set to expire in 2025. Reports suggest Salah has yet to agree on new terms with the club, and Saudi Arabian clubs are still reportedly interested in securing his signature, with a move to Al-Ittihad nearly materializing last summer.
Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, and head coach, Arne Slot, are said to be planning for contingencies, with Lookman emerging as a top candidate due to his proven goal-scoring ability, versatility across the forward line, and experience in high-pressure situations.
Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Inter Milan are also reportedly keeping an eye on Lookman’s situation, with the French club having shown interest in him last summer.
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