Newly crowned African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has seen his market value skyrocket to €55m, according to reliable players’ statistics and valuation website, Transfermarkt.
The Nigerian forward’s stock rose by €15m, leapfrogging Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface (€45m) to become Nigeria’s current second most valuable player behind Victor Osimhen (€75m).
Lookman’s meteoric rise in the last two seasons has cemented his place among Nigeria’s most valuable footballers.
As of the end of 2023, Lookman was valued at €30m. However, an outstanding 12 months saw him gain €25 million in market worth, representing a remarkable 83.33 per cent increase.
The 27-year-old winger’s impressive form has attracted attention from European giants like PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Media reports suggested that these clubs were keen on securing his services last summer, and it could prove challenging for Atalanta to keep him beyond the current season.
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi has reiterated that the Nigerian forward will not be sold during the January transfer window amid interest from elite clubs in Europe.
“Our plan is not to change anything in the January window,” the president said on Lookman’s future.
Transfermarkt’s Italy Area Manager, Jatin Dietl, highlighted Lookman’s transformative year.
“Lookman crowned his outstanding 2024 with the African Ballon d’Or on Monday, and rightly so,” Dietl stated. “The 27-year-old has been in top form for months and is the protagonist of Atalanta’s current lead in the table.
He has also led his club to its first international title in history with the three goals against Leverkusen.”
