Most successful buy: Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman enters Atalanta’s record books

The Nigeria international has been exceptional since arriving in Bergamo in the summer

After only three months at Atalanta Bergamasco, Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has set new heights at the Blue-and-Black club.

Lookman scored his fifth goal in 12 matches at the weekend in Atalanta’s 2-0 win at Empoli.
The Nigeria international has thus become the fastest Atalanta newcomer into the Italian Serie A to hit five goals.

With his excellent output, Lookman has outshone Ilicic’s five goals in 17 games in 2017/2018 and Zapata’s five goals after 15 matches.

Luis Muriel, who netted five goals in his first eight games for Atalanta, did better than Lookman but with one substantial difference. The Colombian had prior Serie A experience, having previously played for Udinese, Sampdoria, and Fiorentina.

More records to fall for Lookman

Ademola Lookman has another record, held by a former Nigeria international Stephen Ayo Makinwa, in sight – becoming the fastest Atalanta player to hit six goals.

After arriving from Genoa, Makinwa smashed six goals in his first 18 matches for the Goddess.

Lookman could break that record when Atalanta host Serie A leaders Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium this weekend. And the current record-holder, Makinwa, has backed the 25-year-old to etch his name in the Atalanta history books.

“I hope he breaks it,” Makinwa told The PUNCH.

“He did not show signs of initial struggles and has settled in well at the club.

“I’m confident he will set a new goalscoring record at the club, but we must not put pressure on him on that. He is very prolific, and he is becoming a fantastic buy for the club.”

Atalanta acquired the services of Lookman from German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for 12 million euros on August 4.