Bayern Munich Shifts Focus to Ademola Lookman After Nicolas Jackson Setback

Latest Developments in Transfer Saga

Bayern Munich is actively pursuing a transfer for former England youth international Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Initially reported by The Athletic, Italian sources have now confirmed that Bayern has made an approach, which Atalanta has rejected. Lookman has been training away from the main squad after a potential move to Inter Milan collapsed. Inter’s offer of €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons was turned down by the Bergamo club. Bayern’s proposal for a loan with an option to buy for €28 million has also been declined. Other clubs like Tottenham and Galatasaray have shown interest, but all parties have been informed that Atalanta is seeking a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy.

Why is Bayern so eager to sign Lookman? Harry Kane commented after the Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup victory over Stuttgart (2-1), “It is one of the smallest squads I played in. There is still time before the transfer window closes, but that’s for [director of sport] Max [Eberl] and [sporting director] Christoph [Freund], along with the coach, to decide.” Bayern initially aimed to solve their squad depth issue by loaning Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, but the deal fell through dramatically when Chelsea striker Liam Delap suffered an injury just as Jackson landed in Munich.

This unsuccessful transfer marks another setback in what has been a tumultuous transfer window for the Bundesliga giants. Bayern missed out on Florian Wirtz (who joined Liverpool) and Nick Woltemade (who moved to Newcastle). They had also expressed interest in Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, who ultimately signed with AC Milan. Additionally, Kingsley Coman has left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Leroy Sané departed on a free transfer to Galatasaray.

Bayern’s Squad Dilemma – Only 25 Players Available

Due to a series of failed transfers and player exits, Bayern Munich’s squad has dwindled to just 25 players, including four goalkeepers and youth prospects Lennart Karl (17), Wisdom Mike (16), and Jonah Kusi-Asare (18). Moreover, injuries are affecting key players like Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala. Despite these challenges, Eberl and Freund have been instructed to focus on short-term loan deals, as the club aims to preserve resources for major signings next summer. “Everyone will revisit their networks and contacts to see what’s possible,” Eberl stated following the unsuccessful Lookman bid.

Who else is eyeing Lookman? Earlier in the transfer window, Inter Milan attempted to secure Lookman, making a €45 million all-in offer that fell short of his €70 million market value. Despite their failed bid, Inter remains a contender for his signature, along with Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, who has already invested over €100 million in new players this summer, including star striker Victor Osimhen. Given the financial strength of Turkish football, it wouldn’t be surprising if Galatasaray pursued another high-profile addition. As for Tottenham, although previously linked to Lookman via Fabrizio Romano, reports suggest they have filled their final attacking position by signing Xavi Simons from Leipzig. This might favor Bayern, as they won’t have to compete with a Premier League club for Lookman’s services.