6/5/2025 | sports | SG
The world of football thrives on redemption arcs, but few are as compelling as Ademola Lookman’s. Once a promising youngster at Charlton Athletic, Lookman’s career seemed destined for the margins after forgettable stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. Yet, today, he stands as the African Player of the Year, a Europa League final hat trick hero, and the subject of a tug-of-war between Arsenal and Liverpool. His journey isn’t just a transfer rumor; it’s a manifesto on persistence.
When Ian Wright, a man who knows a thing or two about overcoming odds, says he “would love” to see Lookman at Arsenal, it’s not just a scout’s endorsement. It’s an emotional appeal. Wright, whose own path from non-league football to Arsenal legend is the stuff of folklore, sees in Lookman a reflection of the grit that defines football’s most cherished stories. “I can’t help but look at his dark moments,” Wright admitted on his podcast, referencing Lookman’s nomadic loan spells and the psychological toll of unmet potential. Those loans weren’t just career detours; they were survival tests. Lookman didn’t just pass—he thrived.
But here’s the contradiction simmering beneath the headlines: Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool included, once let Lookman slip away. Now, they’re poised to spend upwards of £60 million to bring him back. It’s a damning indictment of how top-flight clubs often dismiss talent too early, only to chase it at a premium later. Lookman’s resurgence in Italy isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a slap to the face of England’s “loan-and-discard” culture. How many other Lookmans are languishing in loan purgatory while clubs chase shiny new imports?
The human impact here stretches beyond Lookman. For every young player grinding through loan spells, his story is a beacon. For fans, it’s a reminder that footballers are more than assets—they’re people navigating pressure, rejection, and self-doubt. Lookman’s public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who branded him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” could have broken him. Instead, he channeled it. That resilience resonates in an era where mental health in sports is finally getting its due attention.
This saga also taps into 2020s football trends: the Premier League’s reckoning with its own myopia. While English clubs splurge on European stars, Lookman’s success in Serie A underscores the value of leagues often dismissed as “secondary.” It’s a trend mirrored by players like Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham, who rebuilt their careers in Italy after Premier League setbacks. The message is clear: talent blooms where it’s nurtured, not just where the spotlight is brightest.
Historically, Arsenal and Liverpool represent two divergent approaches to reintegrating prodigal talents. Liverpool’s interest, despite Lookman’s Everton past, reflects their pragmatic transfer strategy—remember Mohamed Salah’s Chelsea flop before becoming a Reds icon. Arsenal, meanwhile, have a patchy record with reclamation projects (see: Willian). If Lookman joins, it’ll test Mikel Arteta’s ability to harness matured potential.
The broader question is systemic: why do英超 clubs so often fail to develop players like Lookman in-house? The answer lies in the league’s win-now culture, where short-term gains trump long-term projects. Lookman’s £10 million move to Everton in 2017 came with hype, but not patience. His subsequent loans reeked of reactive planning. Contrast that with Atalanta, where a clear tactical identity helped him flourish. It’s a lesson the Premier League’s big spenders still haven’t learned.
As fans debate whether Lookman would fit Arteta’s system or Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing, the real takeaway is universal: football’s greatest stories are written by those who refuse to be written off. Whether at Arsenal, Liverpool, or elsewhere, Lookman’s next chapter will resonate far beyond the pitch. It’s a call to clubs to value resilience as much as talent—and to fans to remember the human behind the jersey.
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This opinion piece is a creative commentary based on publicly available news reports and events. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified experts regarding your specific circumstances.
By George Thompson, this article was inspired by this source.