Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward who has dazzled fans and critics alike, could soon make history as the most expensive African transfer ever. Manchester United’s newly appointed manager, Ruben Amorim, has reportedly set his sights on the Atalanta star, with a groundbreaking €100 million bid already on the table.

Lookman, 27, has had a stellar year for both club and country. He played a pivotal role in leading Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final and spearheaded Atalanta’s remarkable campaign that saw them lift the UEFA Europa League. His unforgettable hat-trick in the final etched his name in the history books as the first-ever player to achieve such a feat on such a grand stage.

These accomplishments earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, making him one of Africa’s top footballing exports. Lookman is also a frontrunner for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, having made the final shortlist of five.

Manchester United’s Bold Move
Manchester United, under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, is reportedly ready to break the bank to secure Lookman’s services. According to Fichajes, Amorim sees the Nigerian as a key piece in his vision for revitalizing the Red Devils. However, with the club’s financial struggles and a modest transfer budget looming, the manager is determined to prioritize high-impact signings.

Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs until 2026, but with negotiations for a renewal stalling, speculation about his future has intensified. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have shown interest, but United’s aggressive pursuit could sway the player back to England, where his football journey began.

A Historic Transfer in the Making?
If the deal goes through, Lookman will eclipse Victor Osimhen’s €83 million move to Napoli, setting a new benchmark for African players. For now, his immediate focus remains on Atalanta, where he has already contributed eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances this season.

Whether Manchester United’s league position or their rebuilding project under Amorim will convince Lookman to make the move remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the football world is watching closely as the Super Eagles star contemplates the next big step in his glittering career.