- Barcelona are eyeing Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman since his stunning Europa League final hat-trick and are now ready to make a move
- Notably, Barcelona have cooled their interest in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao due to inconsistency and off-field concerns
- Lookman’s contract runs until 2026, but a tense relationship with Atalanta’s manager could ease negotiations
Spanish giant Barcelona’s transfer interest took a decisive turn a while ago after Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning hat-trick in Atalanta’s last season Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
The performance left a lasting impression on Barcelona sporting director Deco and club scout Bojan Krkic, who have since been reportedly eager to bring Lookman to Camp Nou.
Lookman, 26, has been enjoying a standout season in Italy, playing a key role in Atalanta’s attacking lineup.
His three-goal heroics on one of European football’s biggest stages not only secured Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy but also ended Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten run under Xabi Alonso. The Nigerian international’s stock has skyrocketed, and Barcelona appear to be leading the race for his signature.
According to reports, the Blaugrana have shifted their focus to Lookman after cooling their interest in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
While Leao was once considered a priority target, concerns over his inconsistent performances and off-field controversies have seen Barcelona reconsider their stance. Lookman, on the other hand, is seen as a more reliable and affordable alternative.
Deco, a former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder, is said to be one of Lookman’s strongest advocates, believing his playing style fits perfectly into new coach Hansi Flick’s tactical system.
Flick, known for his high-pressing and fast-paced attacking football, could benefit from Lookman’s versatility, as the Nigerian is capable of playing on both wings or as a second striker. With Lookman’s contract at Atalanta running until 2026, negotiations could be tricky.
However, reports indicate that a tense relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini might force the Italian side to part ways with their star winger in the next transfer window. Atalanta are reportedly open to offers around €50m, a figure Barcelona consider reasonable given their current financial constraints.
Barcelona, however, are not the only club monitoring the situation. Juventus view Lookman as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, while Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal have also expressed interest. With the transfer window approaching, Lookman’s future remains a hot topic in European football.
Lookman’s strike not enough as Real Madrid edges Atalanta, Ancelotti praises team
Previously, TheRadar reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid reignited their UEFA Champions League campaign hopes with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta, overcoming an early injury to star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Lookman’s creativity nearly earned Atalanta a dramatic equaliser in injury time, but substitute Mateo Retegui squandered the golden opportunity, blasting over from six yards out.
