Ahead of Atalanta's UEFA Champions League clash with Celtic, manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed just how close Celtic came to signing Ademola Lookman before his rise to stardom in Serie A. Rodgers explained that Lookman was excited about the possibility of joining Celtic, and the club did all they could to secure the transfer. However, Charlton’s financial demands at the time were beyond Celtic’s reach, and the deal fell through. Lookman eventually moved to Everton for a reported fee of £11 million.
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Rodgers expressed admiration for Lookman, noting his professionalism and work ethic, which have contributed to his success. The Celtic boss recalled how he had also tried to sign Lookman while managing Leicester, and praised the forward’s dedication, particularly in his daily training routines, which included extra shooting practice.
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Rodgers has followed Lookman’s career with pride and is not surprised by the winger’s rise to prominence, including his performance in last year’s Europa League final.
Editorial
It's intriguing to consider how different Ademola Lookman's career might have been had Celtic succeeded in signing him. Brendan Rodgers' that the club was so close to bringing the talented winger to Scotland sheds light on the delicate nature of football transfers. Clubs can do everything within their power, but sometimes, external factors like financial constraints derail even the most promising deals.
Celtic's inability to meet Charlton’s asking price meant that Lookman’s career took a different path, leading him to Everton, Germany’s Bundesliga, and now, Serie A. In hindsight, Celtic’s loss was undoubtedly Atalanta’s gain. However, Rodgers continues to hold Lookman in high regard, admiring his growth both on and off the pitch. The manager's comments remind us of the personal relationships that often develop between coaches and players, even when deals don’t go through.
We believe Lookman’s success story is a lesson for young players perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to take risks, such as moving abroad at a young age, can make all the difference. Lookman is a prime example of someone who wasn’t afraid to explore new challenges, and his career trajectory is a testament to his talent and determination.
As fans of football, it’s exciting to think about what Lookman could have brought to the Scottish Premiership. His speed, technical ability, and eye for goal would have made him a standout in the league. But while Celtic missed out on this gem, Lookman’s career continues to flourish, and we can only expect more great performances from him, particularly in European competitions.
Did You Know?
Ademola Lookman was born in London and represented England at the youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria.
Lookman won the U20 FIFA World Cup with [England](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/football-culture/ahmed-musas-2024-earnings-unveiled-astonishing-net-worth-revealed/) in 2017.
The winger had a successful loan spell at RB Leipzig, where he impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals in 11 appearances.
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig and has quickly become a key player in Serie A.
Brendan Rodgers previously managed Lookman at Leicester City, where the player delivered memorable performances, including a goal against Liverpool.