Bayern Munich Target Ademola Lookman in Loan-to-Buy Deal

Bayern Munich Target Ademola Lookman in Loan-to-Buy Deal

By Niyi Busari 

Bayern Munich have made an official approach to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, with the German champions proposing an initial loan deal that includes a significant fee and an option to buy at a substantial price.

The 27-year-old forward is understood to be open to a move, viewing it as a crucial next step in his career. Despite interest from Inter Milan earlier this summer, Atalanta are reportedly unwilling to sell to another Serie A club, narrowing his options abroad.

The move comes as Bayern continue their search for attacking reinforcements. As reported by The Athletic on Saturday, Chelsea recently informed Bayern that they would not move forward with a loan deal for Nicolas Jackson, despite a previously agreed arrangement. That development has further intensified the German club’s pursuit of Lookman.

Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before moves to Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City, where he showed flashes of talent but struggled for consistency. However, his fortunes changed after joining Atalanta for around €10 million in 2022. Since then, he has emerged as one of the most dynamic attacking players in Europe.

His standout 2023–24 season included 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, highlighted by a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final. Lookman’s treble led Atalanta to a 3–0 victory over previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, securing the club’s first European trophy and ending a 61-year wait for silverware.

Despite finishing 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, Lookman's season was not without controversy. He was publicly criticized by then-head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following a missed penalty against Club Brugge that contributed to Atalanta’s Champions League exit. Gasperini has since departed to become Roma's new head coach.

Last season, Lookman scored 20 goals and registered seven assists across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s third-place finish in Serie A and qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League.

Negotiations are ongoing, with Bayern keen to secure the Nigerian international before the transfer window closes.