AFCON 2025
Jonathan Rowe has revealed that Ademola Lookman played an unexpected role in his decision to join Atalanta.
The 23-year-old English winger was officially presented by the Serie A club on Thursday after joining from Bologna on an initial loan deal that includes an option and a conditional obligation to buy.
Rowe, who will wear the No. 11 shirt previously worn by Lookman, said a chance meeting with the Nigeria international while on holiday helped convince him that Atalanta was the right destination.
According to Rowe, Lookman spoke highly of his experience in Bergamo and gave him a positive impression of life at the club.
“I think Lookman is a great player. I saw him on vacation, and he spoke highly of Atalanta. This motivated me to choose Atalanta as my destination,” Rowe said at his presentation, as reported by TMW.
Lookman spent three-and-a-half seasons with Atalanta after joining from RB Leipzig in 2022. He became one of the club’s most important attacking players and played a starring role in their historic Europa League triumph in 2024, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite succeeding Lookman in the No. 11 shirt, Rowe insists he is not looking to replicate the Nigerian’s career.
“He has his qualities on the pitch, and I have mine. We’re different, but I hope to use my skills to help Atalanta achieve our goals,” he added.
Lookman eventually left Atalanta for Atlético Madrid in February, bringing an end to his spell in Bergamo after 33 goals and 25 assists in 112 appearances for the club.
Rowe will now look to begin his own chapter at Atalanta, with Lookman’s experience having played a small but significant part in his decision to make the move.
