Rowe: 'I'm a different player to Lookman, England call-up has always been a dream'

Jonathan Rowe says that the opportunity to represent England and the chance to play in the Champions League football have been dreams of his since he was a child and that moving to Atalanta could be key to helping him achieve these goals, but he has also warned Dea supporters that he is a different sort of player to Ademola Lookman.

Rowe on joining Atalanta, comparisons to Lookman and England ‘dream’ Rowe joined Atalanta from Bologna at the end of the summer transfer window in what is set to become a club-record signing at a total cost of €40m including the loan fee and the conditional obligation to buy. The Englishman sat down for his introductory press conference with his new club on Thursday.

Jonathan Rowe joins Atalanta from Bologna, on loan with option to buy that can become an obligation “I’m very, very happy to be here. It’s been a long journey the last few weeks, but we’ve finally got what we want, myself included,” said Rowe at the beginning of his talk with the media.

“The coach, before I came here I knew he would be a top coach for me personally and I knew looking at the team that I could help improve the team and do some good things. I look forward to continuing working with everyone and making more connections with my teammates.”

It was put to Rowe that he is the long-term successor to Nigeria international Lookman, who blossomed at Atalanta before joining Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window.

Though Rowe respects Lookman, and reached out to him for advice before joining Atalanta, he feels that they are two different players with two different personalities.

“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.

BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta crosses the ball while under pressure from Enrico Delprato of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “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.”

Rowe says that he is excited to get to work under head coach Maurizio Sarri, whom he says was a key factor in his decision to move to Bergamo. He was unwilling to disclose his personal targets for the 2026-27 season, though.

“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.

“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.”

CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Rowe was asked for his thoughts about the rumours that Bologna decided to sell him due to personality issues and difficulties with his former teammates.

He responded: “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.”

And what made Atalanta such an appealing destination?

“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.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 17: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC 1909 at Gewiss Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) Rowe did not specify his individual goals for the 2026-27 season, but he was asked by reporters whether he has a potential national team call-up or a spot in next season’s Champions League on his mind.

He said: “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.”