Nottingham Forest Join Man United in Race for Lookman’s Signature

Nottingham Forest has emerged as a surprise contender in the race to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, currently starring for Italian Serie A side Atalanta. Traditionally seen as relegation battlers, Forest is enjoying a remarkable Premier League campaign and now has UEFA Champions League qualification in their sights.

The East Midlands club are looking to bolster their attacking options for next season and have identified Lookman as a key target. They now join Manchester United and Newcastle United in pursuit of the reigning African Footballer of the Year.

Lookman, 27, has been in phenomenal form this season, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions as Atalanta mounts a serious challenge for their first-ever Serie A title.

Atalanta is reportedly open to selling the forward but has placed a €60 million price tag on him—a figure that reflects his growing reputation in European football.

Editorial

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Ademola Lookman is no longer a fantasy it’s a bold statement of ambition. For a club that, not long ago, was clawing for Premier League survival, a potential Champions League qualification has transformed their transfer outlook.

Lookman represents everything Forest needs: pace, creativity, end product, and the fearlessness to take on defenders. His resurgence in Italy, particularly under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, has redefined him not just as a flair player, but as a consistent match-winner.

But here’s the challenge: Forest isn’t alone. Manchester United are circling, and Newcastle remain a financial force. If it comes down to prestige and paychecks, Forest may fall short. But what they can offer is something increasingly rare at the top level trust, freedom, and a team built around players like Lookman.

And let’s not forget the story arc. From the Premier League to Bundesliga, and now Serie A, Lookman has matured. A return to England, with Champions League football and a starring role on offer, might be the perfect next chapter.

Whether Forest can land their man or not, this signals a shift in the club’s ambitions—and Lookman, it seems, is the kind of player they believe can lead that charge.

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. Ademola Lookman won the 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year award, becoming the third Nigerian to do so after Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.
   
3. He previously played in the Premier League for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City.
   
4. Lookman switched international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022 and debuted for the Super Eagles that same year.
   
5. He was part of the England U20 team that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.
   
6. Atalanta’s €60 million valuation of Lookman would make him their most expensive outgoing transfer if a deal is completed.