Ademola Lookman’s future at Atlético Madrid is increasingly uncertain, with Italian side Roma and Turkish giants Fenerbahçe reportedly monitoring the Nigerian forward ahead of the January transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
After a bright start last season, Lookman has recently struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Diego Simeone, with his diminishing role further highlighted by his omission from the team’s substitutions during their defeat to Barcelona, despite the coach having another opportunity to make a change.
According to Italian publication La Repubblica, via CalcioMercato, Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico has added the Super Eagles forward to his list of attacking targets as the club seeks to strengthen its frontline.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick remains Roma’s priority, but Lookman has emerged as an alternative as the Serie A side considers its options for January.
The 28-year-old has scored twice and provided one assist in 15 appearances this season. Although he has started nine league matches, he has yet to start in the Champions League and has recently fallen behind Álex Baena in Simeone’s attacking pecking order.
A potential move to Roma would reunite Lookman with Gian Piero Gasperini, under whom he enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career at Atalanta.
Despite their occasional disagreements, the Nigerian flourished under the Italian coach, recording 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 appearances. His most memorable contribution was a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final in Dublin, which secured Atalanta’s first major European trophy.
There has been no formal transfer request from Lookman, but his limited playing time could prompt him to consider his options.
Atlético signed the forward from Atalanta in January for €35m, plus €5m in bonuses, and he remains under contract until 2030.
The Spanish club, however, are reportedly unwilling to sanction the departures of both Lookman and Alexander Sørloth, who has also attracted interest from Juventus, unless suitable replacements are secured.
Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper AS reports that Fenerbahçe are also interested in Lookman, with Marco Asensio emerging as a potential target in a swap deal involving both players could be considered when the transfer window reopens in January.
Lookman’s uncertain standing at Atlético has also raised questions about Simeone’s confidence in the forward.
As PUNCH Sports Extra reported, the Argentine coach’s decision to leave the Nigerian on the bench throughout the defeat to Barcelona marked a notable departure from his earlier public backing of the player.
Simeone had previously urged Lookman not to become frustrated by his dip in form, insisting that hard work and belief would help him rediscover his confidence.
However, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, the Atlético coach made only four substitutions despite his side chasing the game, with Lookman overlooked even after Jonathan David was introduced in the 78th minute.
Simeone instead retained Julián Álvarez for the entire encounter, while Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and David were brought on in three separate substitution windows.
With Roma and Fenerbahçe reportedly monitoring his situation, the coming transfer window could prove decisive for Lookman’s future in Madrid.
