Newcastle can pull off world-class signing after his manager bust-up – sources
Newcastle United could sign Atalanta star Ademola Lookman in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 27-year-old would “definitely fit in” at St James’s Park if he was to make the move.
Lookman has had a public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini after the 67-year-old controversially called out the Nigeria international’s penalty-taking abilities by calling him “one of the worst”, which has left Lookman searching for a new club in the summer.
Newcastle are in the market for attacking reinforcements for next season, especially with Callum Wilson out of contract at the end of this campaign.
Football Insider revealed Newcastle’s priority is to sign a right winger, and while Lookman predominantly plays down the left-hand side he is versatile enough to switch wings.
Lookman also has the ability to play as a number nine therefore he would tick a lot of boxes and provide Eddie Howe with a plethora of options.
The Atalanta star also boasts some Premier League experience from his spell at Everton, having played at Goodison Park from 2017 to 2019.
Newcastle United will face competition in landing Lookman’s signature
Newcastle are not the only club in Europe looking to bring in Lookman this summer, which will see the Magpies enter a bidding war to secure his services.
Well-placed sources have informed Football Insider that PSG were “very interested” in Lookman last summer and also considered a January move for the player, with their interest still remaining.
There are numerous other clubs looking at Lookman given his personal circumstances, and that is going to make this deal a particularly difficult one for Newcastle to try and pull off.
Ademola Lookman is considered to be one of the world’s best
Lookman might not be the out-and-out right winger that Howe is looking for, but he could make an exception due to his ability.
The versatile forward is considered to be one of the best footballers on the planet right now, having ranked 22 in The Guardian’s top 100 players in the world for 2024.
| Club stats 2024-25 (all competitions) | Lookman |
| Appearances | 29 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 2,016 |
The list was topped by Rodri and sees 197 judges with vast football knowledge and experience cast their votes to determine the best in the world for that given year, with Lookman earning an impressive ranking for his Atalanta performances.
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