Ademola Lookman: The Rebirth at Atalanta and the Newcastle United Question
When Ademola Lookman struck a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024, it felt like a player reclaiming his own narrative. The former Charlton prospect who once juggled between substitute appearances and loan moves had, at long last, arrived. On a grand stage, against an unbeaten side, he played like a man who had been waiting years to show the world who he really was.
For Atalanta, it was the greatest night in their history. For Lookman, it might have been a springboard to his next, and perhaps final, big move. Now, with murmurs of discontent and the suggestion he’s open to a Premier League return, Newcastle United find themselves in a curious position: could Ademola Lookman be the spark Eddie Howe’s project needs?
🚧 The Road Less Straight
Lookman’s journey through football has rarely been linear. Born in London and raised in Peckham, he emerged from the relative obscurity of Sunday League football to make his professional debut with Charlton Athletic. His breakout performances quickly earned him a move to Everton in 2017, a transfer that promised much but delivered sporadically.
In flashes, the talent was clear, an eye-catching debut goal against Manchester City, sharp dribbling, a low centre of gravity that unsettled defenders. But Lookman struggled for consistency and opportunity at Goodison Park. Subsequent loan spells at RB Leipzig and Fulham were productive but again incomplete; moments of brilliance often counterbalanced by lapses in decision-making or long spells on the bench.
The permanent move to Leipzig in 2019 didn’t pan out as hoped. But then came Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini, and perhaps most importantly, a system that finally played to his strengths.
🔵⚫️ Atalanta: A Perfect Fit
Lookman’s move to Atalanta in the summer of 2022 raised eyebrows. It also changed his career.
Under Gasperini’s dynamic, fluid attacking system, Lookman has thrived. The Italian manager’s emphasis on verticality, transitions, and positional rotation suits the 26-year-old’s ability to glide past defenders and exploit spaces. Lookman has operated predominantly from the left, cutting in on his stronger right foot, but has also been used centrally as a second striker or inverted winger.
In his debut Serie A campaign (2022–23), Lookman scored 13 goals and added 6 assists. His follow-up season was even more impressive, capped by the aforementioned Europa League final, where he eviscerated Xabi Alonso’s previously unbeaten Leverkusen with a performance for the ages. He ended 2023–24 with 15 goals and 8 assists across all competitions and was named in the Europa League Team of the Season.
Beyond numbers, he’s matured tactically and mentally. He presses with intensity, tracks back willingly, and has improved his end product. There’s a completeness to his game now that was lacking earlier in his career.
🏴 A Return to England?
Reports in Italy suggest Lookman is open to a return to the Premier League. He’s 26, entering his peak, and while Atalanta can offer European football and a starring role, the lure of England remains strong.
Enter Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side, still reeling from a season of inconsistency and injury setbacks, could use reinforcements in attack. With European football again on the horizon and a need to deepen the squad, Lookman presents an intriguing option.
📊 The Tactical Fit
Newcastle’s attack, built around Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and the soon to be signed Anthony Elanga, has lacked that versatile player who can support, supplement and rotate with the front line.
Lookman’s versatility would be a major asset. He can operate behind the striker as an attacking 8 or as a centre forward, ideal in Howe’s 4-3-3 system and able to provide much needed cover for Isak.
In his last 50 games, Lookman has played 18 games as a midfielder, scoring 9 goals and claiming 4 assists, but also 15 goals as a centre-forward, scoring 7 and assisting 2, so a viable option in both positions. With Newcastle missing out on Pedro, could Lookman but the alternative we need.
His work rate off the ball fits the high-energy pressing style Howe favours, and his ball-carrying ability would relieve pressure in transitions, a much better option than Joe Willock.
Importantly, Lookman offers something Newcastle often lack: unpredictability. His ability to beat a man one-on-one, shift inside, and finish, whether with power or finesse, would diversify their attacking patterns, especially against low blocks.
❓So, Should Newcastle Sign Him?
On the face of it, Ademola Lookman is a compelling option. He is Premier League-tested, in his prime, tactically versatile, and coming off the best season of his career. His profile aligns with Newcastle’s current needs, an attacking player who offers depth, flexibility, and match-winning quality without requiring astronomical wages or transfer fees.
There are caveats. Lookman is not without inconsistency. He has thrived in a system built around his strengths, would he adjust as smoothly to Howe’s demands? And would he be content as part of a rotation rather than the focal point?
Still, the upside is clear. Newcastle would be getting a player brimming with confidence, honed by adversity, and equipped with a toolkit that could elevate their attack. The question is whether they believe his Serie A renaissance will translate to the rigours of the Premier League or if, once again, he’s a player best admired from afar.
The pieces fit. The price might be right. The timing makes sense. Whether Newcastle United take the plunge is a decision that, like Lookman’s career, could swing on the smallest of margins.
