Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has emerged as a major transfer target for English Premier League club, West Ham, following his heroic performance for Atalanta in the final of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday.
Lookman has been in fine form for the Blue and Blacks since joining the club from Leizeig two seasons ago with his performance in the 2023/24 season his best.
Having scored 12 goals and provided eight assists – the best goal contributions in his career- before Wednesday’s final against Bayer Leverkusen, the Super Eagles star crowned his impressive campaign with a hat-trick against the German side that had gone unbeaten in 51 games in the season.
Lookman’s performance at the Aviva Arena in Dublin, Ireland will be talked about for ages as it helped Atalanta secure their first silverware in 61 years.
Such a display hardly goes unnoticed and West Ham are now interested in signing the Nigerian ahead of the 2024/25 season.
As per Claret and Hugh, the 26-year-old has caught the eyes of the Hammers’ new manager Julen Lopetegui.
“West Ham United could be making a move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman,” the website wrote.
“Lookman’s impressive performance, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final, has caught the eye of new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international is seen as a potential solution to West Ham’s need for quality on the left wing. His 15 goals and 8 assists in 43 appearances for Atalanta this season solidify his attacking capabilities.”
Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since the German Jupp Heynckes celebrated a hat-trick for Borussia Moenchengladbach in the 1974-1975 edition of the UEFA Cup against Dutch team Twente.
He is currently valued at €30m and has a contract with Atalanta which expires in 2026.
