Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini has revealed that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has succeeded at the club due to his selflessness, Soccernet.ng reports.
La Dea played one of the best games of the season on Sunday, when they demolished Juventus 4-0 at Allianz Arena. Lookman was heavily in the rout, as he scored the fourth goal of the game, but he could have even scored more goals if not for Michele Di Gregorio’s brilliance and the woodwork.
Lookman’s goal took him to 18 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. He has already surpassed last season’s goal returns, and he looks set for more before the campaign ends in May.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Atalanta coach Gasperini and Lookman has been under the spotlight in recent weeks following the former’s statements about Lookman after they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League two weeks ago.
However, both parties seemed at peace with each other after the win at Juventus and even shared a hug.
Speaking about Lookman’s impressive performances, Gasperini asserted that the Nigerian forward has improved significantly in the past three seasons due to his selflessness. He even tipped the 27-year-old to wear the captain’s armband before the end of the season.
“This is an example. People can have different visions. Lookman became a fantastic player when he thought more about the team,” Gasperini said, per Alfredopedulla.
“He often thought on an individual level, he made Atalanta great and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced that at the end of the year he will wear the captain’s armband so he will have Atalanta on his skin”.
Ademola Lookman’s future is still in the balance
Ademola Lookman’s future has been in the balance in recent months. Last month, amid the drama between him and Gasperini, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Lookman will leave Atalanta at the end of the season.
However, the 27-year-old forward’s next destination remains unknown. He has been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and many other top teams, but nothing is substantial at the moment.
Arsenal and Liverpool have both held talks over a potential deal to sign Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman.
(Source: @caughtoffside) pic.twitter.com/Od3ceisLJ3
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 21, 2025
Nonetheless, the season ends in just over two months, and by then, Lookman’s next destination will be known.
If he remains fit and continues to score goals for Atalanta, he is sure to get his big move in the summer.