Ademola Lookman’s future at Atletico Madrid is already facing fresh uncertainty, with reports in Spain suggesting the club could be prepared to part ways with the Super Eagles forward for around €50 million despite signing him only months ago.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico are willing to listen to offers for the Nigerian international as Diego Simeone continues to assess how the attacker fits into his demanding tactical framework.
The development comes as a surprise given Lookman’s respectable output since arriving from Atalanta. The 2024 CAF Player of the Year has contributed nine goals and three assists in 24 appearances, numbers that would ordinarily strengthen a player’s standing at most clubs.
While Lookman has continued to show the attacking qualities that made him one of Africa’s most sought-after forwards, reports indicate that adapting to Simeone’s tactical demands has proven more difficult.
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The Atletico manager is renowned for building teams around defensive discipline, collective structure and relentless work without possession. Every player, regardless of attacking talent, is expected to contribute defensively, press aggressively and maintain positional responsibility throughout matches.
It is an area where Lookman’s game has often attracted scrutiny throughout his career.
Simeone himself has previously acknowledged the Nigerian’s attacking qualities while making it clear that improvement is still required in other aspects of his game.
“Lookman brings us goals honestly, more goals than overall play right now,” Simeone said.
“He can still improve his build-up play and his defensive work. We need him to adapt to the team’s philosophy in those aspects.
“His attitude suggests he wants to improve as a footballer. He has that natural instinct; those goals are no coincidence. But we also need more from him in the collective game.”
Those observations echo concerns previously raised during Lookman’s spell in Germany.
Former RB Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted that the winger struggled with the physical and defensive demands expected of him in the Bundesliga.
“Working hard off the ball was tough for him and maybe too much, which is why maybe he struggled,” Hasenhuttl said.
“But he has had a good journey since. His dribbling and finishing is his biggest strength.”
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Lookman’s most productive periods have typically come in systems that grant him greater attacking freedom. His standout years at Atalanta saw him thrive under a fluid tactical structure that allowed him to drift across the frontline, attack open spaces and create opportunities without being restricted by rigid defensive responsibilities.
That contrast has fuelled speculation that Atletico may be prepared to cash in while the player’s value remains high.
Having reportedly invested €35 million to secure his services, a sale worth around €50 million would represent a significant profit for the Spanish club. More importantly, it would allow Atletico to avoid a scenario where Lookman’s market value declines if his tactical adaptation continues to prove problematic.
Turkish champions Galatasaray have already been linked with the 28-year-old, although there is no indication, yet that Lookman is considering a switch to the Turkish Super Lig.
