Everton Braced for More RB Leipzig Bids for Ademola Lookman
By Tom Power
Germans refusing to take no for an answer as Everton dig heels in over 20-year-old forward
RB Leipzig are refusing to shift their stance in wanting to bring Everton starlet Ademola Lookman to Germany permanently.
The Bundesliga club have been chasing the 20-year-old all summer long after he impressed on loan with them last season.
Recently installed manager Ralf Rangnick is a huge admirer of Lookman’s talents and has made no secret of his desire to sign the forward.
And he told German news outlet Leipzig Volkszeitung that he would do all that he could to land the ex-Charlton Athletic man – despite admitting that Lookman was “Everton’s” for the time being.
The £40m arrival of Richarlison has had some fans worried that Lookman may be moved on.
The duo both prefer to play on the left wing and, with boss Marco Silva likely to start his big-money signing due to his transfer fee, Lookman may find himself waiting in the wings yet again.
Lookman could, however, be utilised on the right side of a three-pronged attack, and his place in the squad would provide competition for places out wide alongside Richarlison and Theo Walcott.
The England Under-20 World Cup winner struggled to break into Everton’s team last term in spite of his terrific form for the Three Lions 12 months ago.
Lookman was sporadically used by Ronald Koeman, David Unsworth and Sam Allardyce before he elected to leave on loan in the January transfer window.
Lookman had a slow start to life with Leipzig but ended the campaign with five goals and three assists from 11 appearances.
His overall work ethic, training and performances on the pitch eventually won Rangnick over, and the veteran football man now wants to lure him to Germany permanently.
Silva and Marcel Brands have already made plain that Lookman will be part of the first-team set up in 2018/19 though.
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The duo want to give the club’s youth a chance to impress them, and Lookman is certainly one who will benefit from that stance.