Jonathan Rowe insists he is ‘different player’ to Ademola Lookman after Atalanta move

Jonathan Rowe has made it clear that he does not intend to arrive at Atalanta as a replacement for Ademola Lookman, insisting he has his own qualities and is determined to make his own mark in Bergamo.

The England winger completed his move from Bologna to Atalanta at the end of the summer transfer window in a deal that could become a club-record €40 million transfer, including the loan fee and conditional obligation to buy.

Rowe was presented to the media on Thursday and immediately addressed the comparisons with Lookman, the Nigerian forward who established himself as one of Atalanta’s most influential players before leaving for Atletico Madrid.

Rowe draws line between himself and Lookman

Lookman’s success at Atalanta has inevitably raised expectations around Rowe, particularly given the Englishman’s arrival following the Nigeria international’s departure.

However, Rowe believes comparisons between the two should not define his time at the club.

The 23-year-old revealed that he actually spoke to Lookman before completing his transfer after meeting the Nigerian during the summer. Rather than viewing him as a rival to emulate, Rowe said he took encouragement from Lookman’s positive assessment of Atalanta.

“In regards to Lookman, I think he’s a great player and I saw him on holiday this summer and we had a little talk. He said nothing but good things about the club, which gave me even more motivation before deals started to happen. I was really confident from before.”

While acknowledging Lookman’s qualities, Rowe stressed that he wants supporters to judge him on what he brings to the team rather than expect him to replicate the Nigerian’s performances.

“In terms of on the pitch, he has his own qualities, I have my own qualities, we’re different players, we’re different people, so I look forward to bringing my own qualities and contributions to the team to help us achieve our goals this season.”

Maurizio Sarri a major attraction

Rowe also identified Atalanta head coach Maurizio Sarri as one of the major reasons behind his decision to move to Bergamo.

The Englishman believes working under the experienced Italian can help him continue developing while making an important contribution to the club’s ambitions.

“Sarri is a great coach. He has a lot of experience and respect in the game, he’s achieved a lot. His ideas are top as well, so I believe that I can do good things under his influence. So I look forward to seeing what can happen this season and for the future.”

Although Rowe declined to reveal specific individual targets for the 2026-27 campaign, he made clear that he wants to have a decisive impact in front of goal.

“In terms of personal goals, I normally keep them private as it’s a little challenge for myself. But I look forward to contributing many goals and assists for the team this season.”

England dream remains firmly in sight

For Rowe, the move is about more than securing regular club football. The former Bologna player sees Atalanta as a potential platform for achieving two ambitions he has carried since childhood: representing England and playing in the Champions League.

The winger believes Atalanta’s record in European competition made the club an especially attractive destination as he considered his next career step.

“100%. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little boy. You have to take the right steps in your career to reach these goals. Atalanta are a club that have achieved a lot of success in European competitions in recent years and that also made it an easy decision to come here.”

Rowe also explained that Atalanta’s environment played a role in convincing him to make the move.

“It’s a great club, family-orientated, I feel like this is the best environment for me to achieve both team goals and personal goals as well. It felt right, my mind likes to follow my gut instinct and this felt like the right decision to make.”

Rowe shuts down Bologna controversy

The new Atalanta winger was also questioned about reports that his departure from Bologna was influenced by personality issues and difficulties within the dressing room.

Rowe chose not to revisit the controversy, instead insisting that his attention is now firmly on his new chapter in Bergamo.

“For me personally, for the people that know me, they know the truth, but I prefer not to speak about this situation as I’m now focused on my goals for this season. And as of right now, I’m an Atalanta player.”

For Atalanta, Rowe represents a significant investment and a fresh attacking option. For the player, the transfer offers an opportunity to establish his own identity rather than live in the shadow of Lookman.

His immediate challenge will be to translate that confidence into performances and help Atalanta compete at the highest level, while keeping his England and Champions League ambitions firmly within reach.