Ademola Lookman hits career-high N90b valuation, rivals Osimhen as Nigeria’s most valuable star

Ademola Lookman has reached a new milestone in his career, with his market value surging to an all-time high of €55 million (approx. N90 billion), according to Transfermarkt’s latest update, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old winger has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year, cementing his place among Nigeria’s most valuable footballers and sharing the spotlight with Victor Osimhen, who remains at the top with a valuation of €75 million.

At the start of 2024, Lookman was valued at €30 million. However, an outstanding 12 months saw him gain €25 million in market worth, representing a remarkable 83.33% increase.

This boost has catapulted him into the upper echelons of the Serie A and African football scene.

On Monday, Lookman was named the CAF Footballer of the Year, becoming only the sixth Nigerian to win the award. 

Transfermarkt’s Italy Area Manager, Jatin Dietl, highlighted Lookman’s transformative year.

“Lookman crowned his outstanding 2024 with the African Ballon d’Or on Monday, and rightly so,” Dietl stated.

The 27-year-old has been in top form for months and is the protagonist of Atalanta’s current lead in the table. He has also led his club to its first international title in history with the three goals against Leverkusen.”

Known for his clinical goal-scoring ability, dazzling dribbling, and knack for thriving in crucial moments, Lookman has attracted attention from European giants like PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Media reports suggest that these clubs were keen on securing his services last summer, and it could prove challenging for Atalanta to keep him beyond the current season.

Lookman’s stellar form also saw Atalanta’s overall squad value rise by €39.5 million to €487 million. The former Everton forward now ranks as the 10th most valuable player in Serie A and Atalanta’s undisputed crown jewel.

On the African stage, Lookman is tied as the continent’s third most valuable player alongside Mohamed Salah and Nicolas Jackson, trailing only Osimhen and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.