Ademola Lookman, the Nigeria international forward at Atlético Madrid, is reportedly on AS Roma’s radar, according to La Repubblica. Pushed down the pecking order behind Álex Baena, now the first choice, he could leave Atlético as early as January, according to OneFootball.
Ademola Lookman, the Nigeria international forward at Atlético Madrid, is reportedly on AS Roma’s radar, according to La Repubblica. The news, carried by Foot-Africa and OneFootball, comes as the player endures a difficult season in Spain, where he is no longer the first choice.
Under Diego Simeone, the Atlético head coach, Lookman has been pushed down the pecking order behind Álex Baena, who has become the first choice. Foot-Africa reports that Simeone no longer considers him untouchable. A January departure is being mooted by OneFootball, although that scenario has yet to be confirmed.
A mixed 2026
In 2026, Ademola Lookman has played 15 matches for 2 goals and 1 assist in La Liga and the Champions League, according to the figures carried by Foot-Africa. He has started nine times in the league, but never in European competition.
Last Sunday, in La Liga against Barcelona, Lookman stayed on the bench for the entire match, a first this season. He had already stayed on the bench against Barça, which had prompted questions from the Nigerian press.
This relative sidelining contrasts with his status as an international forward. A former Atalanta player, he is seeing his playing time shrink in Madrid.
Roma and Gasperini lying in wait
According to OneFootball, Lookman is on the list of Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico, who is looking for attacking options in addition to Endrick. AS Roma have therefore reportedly earmarked the Nigerian.
Roma’s interest is also explained by the presence of Gian Piero Gasperini, the Roma head coach, who managed Lookman at Atalanta. The player blossomed there: 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 matches, according to OneFootball.
Lookman is also well acquainted with Serie A. He notably scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final in Dublin, according to OneFootball.
A January departure only mooted
A departure from Atlético Madrid as early as January is being mooted by OneFootball, without being confirmed at this stage. For now, Roma’s interest rests only on press reports, and Lookman could win back playing time in the meantime.
The winter transfer window will open in January 2027, the period in which a Lookman departure is being mooted.