Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year, has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, a transfer that makes sense for all parties involved.
The numbers the 26-year-old Nigerian has put up since joining Atalanta in 2022 have been remarkable, scoring 39 goals in 93 league games. And after spending three years at the Bergamo-based club, he is set to join 20-time Scudetto champions Inter Milan.
Last season, Lookman played a key role for Atalanta, especially in their historic UEFA Europa League win over Bayern Leverkusen, who were on a 51-game unbeaten run then.
The left-winger scored a stunning hat-trick in the final to secure the Italian side’s first-ever European title in their 117-year history and ended their 61-year trophy drought – with their last major trophy being the Coppa Italia they won in 1963. He capped off the season with 20 goal contributions – his best tally since joining the club.
That performance became iconic. His goals scored with his left and right foot were a perfect blend of composure, power, and flair that dismantled a powerful Leverkusen team. He became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.
Best Player in Africa on the Move
Lookman, who finished the 2023/24 season with 11 goals and seven assists, won Atalanta’s ‘player of the season’ award, making it successive wins as he also won the award in the 2022/23 season.
His goals in the final of the Europa League not only put him in the spotlight, propelling him a step further to the CAF Award, but his displays during that season made him one of the favourites ahead of Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams.
In the African Cup of Nations, Lookman was Nigeria’s go-to man when they needed a spark. His drive and exceptional 1v1 success rate helped the Super Eagles reach the final. Although they didn’t win it – losing 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire – Lookman played a starring role.
His work rate and consistency throughout the season further underlined his growth – evolving from a fringe player shuffled between Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, into the main man at a club punching above its weight domestically and continentally.
He has not only elevated his game but also demonstrated maturity and mental resilience that now sees him ready to embrace a bigger challenge.
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A Perfect Fit for Inter Milan
His rise to the top isn’t coincidental. It’s a testament to perseverance, intelligent coaching, hard work, and a player finally being trusted in a system that fits his style.
Since joining Atalanta, the former RB Leipzig attacker has refined his decision-making in the final third.
He has become more decisive under pressure – something lacking during his time in England. He has also added tactical intelligence to his game – qualities that make him an asset for any top European side.
His versatility, ability to play in any role across the front line, together with his proven record in Serie A, makes him a natural fit for Cristian Chivu’s Inter side, who are looking to bolster their attack following the departure of Mehdi Taremi, Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautović.
And according to journalist and Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian international has reached an agreement with the Nerazzurri on personal terms following direct contact between Inter and his representatives.
During a public statement on Friday, Sporting Director Piero Ausilio said;
“It’s no secret, we are interested. We’ve spoken with Atalanta and made our expectations clear. We want to sign him and Atalanta will be the ideal partner, regardless of our interests or the player’s wishes.
“Sancho and Nico Gonzalez? We can’t just focus in one direction. (Ademola) is our top choice. If we can’t make it happen, we’ll look for alternatives.”
His statement reiterates the club’s willingness to complete a deal for one of the most sought-after forwards in football.
Who Gets the Best Deal?
For Lookman, the move represents a significant step forward. He’ll be moving from a highly performing side to one challenging for domestic and European honours.
He would also get the opportunity to test himself in the Champions League once again and also play alongside Lautaro Martinez, who finished seventh in the 2024 Ballon d’Or edition, as well as other top attacking talents, which would further help elevate his game.
For Inter, if a deal is struck between both clubs, they’ll get a versatile forward with pace, unique finishing ability and overall a player entering his prime. One who has already proven himself in Italian football, and could be the difference-maker in Milan’s quest to reclaim the Scudetto they lost to Napoli.
That figure represents five times the initial amount the club invested in the player, one they signed for under €10 million.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
Recording Date: 12.05.2025