Ademola Lookman: Osimhen to regret Saudi rejection? Atalanta star set to become highest-paid
The Super Eagles star has been linked with a move away from Atalanta after an impressive performance last season.
Recent reports have stated that Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad are also interested in signing Lookman this summer.
They have also offered the winger a massive salary that will see him surpass Victor Osimhen as the highest-paid Nigerian player.
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Lookman is a priority target for Al Ittihad who are pushing to sign the Super Eagles star after his impressive display to win Atalanta the Europa League last season.
Lookman has reportedly verbally accepted to join Al Ittihad after receiving their second offer, according to transfer expert Rudy Galetti on X
According to Galetti, Lookman has been promised a salary of $15 million (about €13.89 million) per season by the Saudi Pro League team. This figure is more than Osimhen's current Napoli contract of €12.82 million.
🚨💰 #AlIttihad increased the offer for #Lookman and sent a new proposal set at $15m/season: the 🇳🇬 player gave his informal approval. 🟡⚫
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 3, 2024
🗣️ Now it's up to clubs: #Atalanta are asking for more than the ~$35m bid received for the striker. Open talks with the 🇸🇦 team. 🐓⚽ https://t.co/0vzYsEFXMv pic.twitter.com/Qty3eLqLIM
Lookman now makes €2.3 million a year at Atalanta; if he takes the new deal from Al Ittihad, he will become the highest-paid Nigerian, surpassing Osimhen.
However, Lookman is valued at about €70 million by Atalanta, therefore Al Ittihad still needs to come to an agreement.
The ongoing negotiations see the Saudi club's first offer of $35 million, which is far less than this estimate rejected.
Lookman played 45 games in all competitions and contributed 17 goals and 10 assists for Atalanta last season, making him a star performer.
The Saudis appear to be the closest to signing the 26-year-old, despite interest from major European teams like Manchester United, Juventus, and Bayern Munich.