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Man United 'to battle' Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain for Europa League hat-trick hero

Man United 'in battle' with Real Madrid, PSG for 40-goal forward
© Imago
Manchester United reportedly join Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman.

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman, with the Red Devils potentially battling Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.

Lookman, 27, has been in excellent form for Atalanta during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 14 appearances in all competitions, including two goals and one assist in four Champions League matches.

The Nigeria international managed 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances last term, meanwhile, including a hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final at the end of May, while he has struck 40 times in 92 outings in total for the Italian outfit since his arrival in the summer of 2022.

Lookman's current deal with Atalanta is due to expire in June 2026, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in his signature.

Ademola Lookman scores for Atalanta BC on November 6, 2024© Imago

Man United 'in the running' for Lookman

According to CaughtOffside, Man United are in the running alongside Real Madrid and PSG, with the 20-time English champions keeping a close eye on his contract situation at Old Trafford.

Lookman has previous experience of English football, having come through the academy at Charlton Athletic before representing their first team on 49 occasions between 2015 and 2017.

The attacker has also turned out for Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, but his best form has come at Atalanta, with the Nigerian developing into one of the most impactful forwards in world football during his time in Italy.

Lookman's Premier League record stands at 11 goals and six assists in 96 appearances, while he has 30 goals and 20 assists in 71 appearances in Italy's top flight, with all of those appearances coming for Atalanta.

Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring for Atalanta BC on September 13, 2024© Imago

Where could Lookman play for Man United?

Lookman is capable of operating in a number of different positions, with his versatility one of his biggest strengths, and it has allowed him to become one of the most highly-rated attackers in the game.

The majority of his success this season, from a goalscoring point of view, has come from the second striker role, and it is certainly possible that he could be used through the middle by Man United.

However, a role as one of the number 10s in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation is more likely, with the Nigerian given freedom to influence the match, while having protection behind him from a wing-back.

Man United are expected to move for at least one forward next year due to their issues in the final third of the field this term, and Lookman could be the perfect addition depending on Atalanta's valuation.

The Red Devils will have far from a clear run at the former Charlton youngster, though, with Real Madrid and PSG also believed to be determined to secure his signature next year.

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Written by
Matt Law

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