Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad are on the verge of signing Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman in a deal that would make him the highest-paid Nigerian footballer, surpassing Victor Osimhen.
According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Lookman has verbally agreed to join Al Ittihad following their second offer.
The deal would see Lookman earn a staggering $15 million per season, approximately €13.89 million, surpassing Osimhen’s current earnings of €12.82 million with Napoli. This represents a significant financial upgrade for the 26-year-old, who currently earns €2.3 million per year at Atalanta.
Al Ittihad has offered $35 million for Lookman, which is well below Atalanta’s valuation of approximately €70 million. Negotiations are ongoing, but if the deal goes through, it would be a significant coup for the Saudi Pro League club, which continues to attract top talent with lucrative offers.
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman (Image credit: The Athletic Images)
Lookman was a standout performer for Atalanta last season, playing 45 matches across all competitions and contributing 17 goals and 10 assists. His market value is listed at €40 million on Transfermarkt.
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Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman etched his name into European football history after becoming the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. The Nigerian forward’s phenomenal performance propelled Atalanta to a resounding 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, securing their first major trophy in 61 years. The victory also gave Atalanta only the second trophy in their 116-year history, over six decades after the Bergamo side had won the Coppa Italia.
Reports suggest the Europa League final hero is attracting interest from Manchester United in the English Premier League and Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. Lookman previously played in the Premier League with Everton and in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. A return to either league could be a viable possibility.
