Ademola Lookman has gathered many plaudits in recent weeks, with some impressive displays for Charlton Athletic creating plenty of speculation over his future at The Valley.
The forward has been linked with big-money moves to some of the country’s most superior clubs, but just who is the teenage prodigy causing such serious attention?
Arsenal and Liverpool are both long-term admirers of the teenager and recently scouted him according to Mirror Football, who claim fellow potential suitors Everton have already seen a £7million transfer bid rejected by the League One outfit.
Lookman is considered as one of English football’s hottest young prospects, but the majority of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton fans probably aren’t too familiar with youngster.
With that in mind, Football FanCast have dug a little deeper to find out more about the in-demand 19-year-old. Here are seven things you may not have known about the Charlton forward.
Joined Charlton in 2014
Contrary to popular belief, Lookman only joined Charlton two years ago after impressing with nearby Waterloo FC in Lambeth. The young forward was snapped up following a goal-scoring spree for his amateur side aged just 17 and fast-tracked through the Addicks’ academy.
Fast forward two years and the 19-year-old has witnessed links to some of the country’s most iconic clubs. A move for Lookman would complete a miraculous rise in such a short space of time.
Contracted to Charlton until 2020
Despite the interest from Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool, Lookman has a long-term contract at Charlton until 2020. The forward signed the new deal in February following speculation surrounding his future.
That could make prising away the Charlton prodigy at a low sum a particularly tough challenge for any interested club, with four years remaining on his current deal. But worst case scenario, Lookman remains at Charlton for another season in the hope of promoting them to the Championship, burning off a year of his contract in the process.
Made his debut against MK Dons
The young starlet made his first team debut last November as the club continued their pursuit of survival in the Championship.
A 1-0 away defeat to Karl Robinson’s men left a bitter taste in the mouth. However, the debut of Lookman excited Charlton fans and lead many to claim he’d be the next top flight star to emerge from the Addicks’ academy.
His performances impressed the coaching staff, and Lookman is yet to look back.
First goal against Brighton
A month after making his Championship debut, Lookman finally found the back of the net against Brighton in December 2015.
It proved nothing more than a consolation for the Addicks, however, as the team suffered a 3-2 away defeat to Chris Hughton’s men. But Lookman’s performance at the Amex Stadium witnessed an iconic moment in the player’s young career and one he’ll never forget.
His composed finish demonstrated enormous potential, keeping a cool head in front of goal despite his tender age.
Football League Championship Apprentice of the Year 2016
At the end of the 2015/2016 season, Lookman picked up his first individual accolade as he swept home the Football League Championship Apprentice of the Year award – previously won by the likes of Crystal Palace’s Connor Wickham and Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook.
The award remains a significant prize for any youngster to pick up and further highlights Lookman’s potential. Both players are now plying their trade in the Premier League and that surely remains the ultimate aspiration of the England u20 forward.
England youth team player
Lookman’s displays at The Valley have attracted the attention of the England youth team managers and the forward is now somewhat of a regular for the Junior Lions with seven youth caps to date.
During the summer, Lookman was a member of Aidy Boothroyd’s u19 team that took part in the European Championships. He is yet to score for his country, but it’s surely only a matter of time before the 19-year-old becomes a regular feature on the score sheet.
Likened to Sadio Berahino
A compliment of his playing style rather than a criticism of his attitude, Lookman has received likeness to West Bromwich Albion’s Sadio Berahino. His ability to dribble, take players on and find the back of the net certainly mimics the Baggies striker’s defining attributes.
West Brom continue to be linked with a move for the Charlton forward as Berahino looks likely to depart. Tony Pulis could replace his forward with a similar kind of player who possesses even greater potential.