Stephen Pagliuca, co-owner of Atalanta, took a telling step by paying an unexpected visit to Ademola Lookman at the team’s training ground in Zingonia to discuss the plans for the forward’s contract extension.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the meeting comes at a crucial time, as Lookman has been facing increased scrutiny since his return from international duty with the Super Eagles.
Pagliuca’s surprise visit on Friday, October 25 was aimed to boost the player’s morale and reaffirm the club’s support, in order to have him renew his contract with officially ends in 2026, although the club do have a one year option.
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Stephen Pagliuca meets Ademola Lookman to discuss extension
Lookman had previously expressed his desire to explore other opportunities, particularly after Paris Saint Germain were linked with him in August, which led to him missing the first three league games of the season.
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had questioned Lookman’s commitment to his team’s defensive cause after substituting him at halftime against Venezia last weekend.
During their meeting, Pagliuca emphasized the club’s appreciation for Lookman’s value to the team and urged him to focus on delivering his best performances.
With 35 goals and 21 assists in 87 matches since his arrival at the club three summers ago in 2022, the CAF Men’s Player of the Year front-runner has become a different player, and Atalanta is becoming desperate to keep him beyond initial agreement.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away in January, albeit nothing is concrete, the UEFA Europa League winner wants to take no chance at losing their priced asset.
