English winger Jonathan Rowe smiling and posing in a light blue Atalanta polo shirt with the Atalanta club crest during his official presentation as a new Atalanta player


English winger Jonathan Rowe says a chance meeting with Ademola Lookman during the summer holidays played a role in his decision to join Atalanta.

Rowe, 23, was unveiled as an Atalanta player on Thursday after completing a move from Bologna. The deal was confirmed on September 1 as an initial loan with an option to buy and a conditional obligation to make the transfer permanent. 

The total package is valued at 40 million euros, making Rowe the most expensive signing in the club's history. He has been handed the No. 11 shirt previously worn by Nigeria international Lookman, who left Bergamo for Atletico Madrid earlier this year. Rowe thanked Atalanta owners Luca Percassi and director Cristiano Giuntoli for completing the deal.

English winger Jonathan Rowe in a blue Atalanta polo shirt smiling while signing his contract at a wooden table with Atalanta directors, with the club crest in the background
Instagram photo of Rowe and the Atlanta directors signing moment

Speaking at his presentation press conference in Bergamo, Rowe said he met Lookman on vacation and the former Atalanta forward spoke highly of the club. Rowe said that conversation gave him confidence and additional motivation to choose Atalanta when negotiations began. 

He described Lookman as a great player but stressed that they are different players with different qualities and personalities. Rowe said he hopes to bring his own skills to help the team achieve its objectives this season and said working under coach Ivan Juric and playing Champions League football were key factors in his choice.