Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman could be heading for another transfer battle ahead of the January window, with Italian giants AS Roma and Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe reportedly monitoring his situation at Atlético Madrid.
The Nigerian international has emerged as a potential attacking reinforcement for both clubs following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, with his position in Diego Simeone’s starting line-up becoming increasingly uncertain.
Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in January 2026 in a deal worth an initial €35m, has struggled to reproduce the impressive form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players during his time in Italy.
His latest difficulties have raised questions about his long-term future in Madrid, particularly as competition for attacking positions continues to intensify under Simeone.
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via CalcioMercato, Roma have added the Nigerian winger to their list of potential attacking targets as manager Gian Piero Gasperini looks to strengthen his forward line when the transfer window reopens in January.
Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico is reportedly keeping a close eye on Lookman’s situation, with the former Atalanta forward viewed as an attractive option because of his experience in Italian football and his previous working relationship with Gasperini.
However, Lookman is not currently Roma’s first-choice target. Real Madrid youngster Endrick remains the Italian club’s priority, with the Brazilian also reportedly considering his future because of limited playing opportunities at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Should a move for Endrick prove difficult, Roma could turn their attention towards Lookman as an alternative capable of bringing pace, creativity and goals to their attack.
A potential reunion with Gasperini could also prove interesting for the Nigerian, considering the remarkable transformation he experienced under the Italian tactician at Atalanta.
Although their relationship was not always without disagreements, Gasperini played a significant role in developing Lookman into one of the most dangerous forwards in European football.
During their time together at Atalanta, the Nigerian registered 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 appearances across all competitions.
Their most memorable achievement came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, when Lookman produced a sensational hat-trick to guide Atalanta to a historic 3-0 victory and their first major European trophy.
That performance cemented his reputation on the continental stage and remains one of the finest individual displays by an African footballer in a major European final.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe have also reportedly entered the picture as they explore ways to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Turkish giants are considering Lookman as a potential addition, with a possible swap arrangement involving former Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio reportedly among the options being discussed.
Such an arrangement could offer Atlético an opportunity to reshape their attacking department while providing Lookman with a fresh environment to rediscover his best form.
However, neither a transfer agreement nor a formal negotiation involving the Nigerian has been confirmed.
Lookman’s declining influence at Atlético has become increasingly noticeable in recent weeks. The winger has scored twice and provided one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
Although he has started nine La Liga matches, he has yet to start a Champions League fixture, with competition from fellow attacker Álex Baena affecting his position in Simeone’s attacking hierarchy.
His situation became particularly concerning during Atlético’s recent 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, when Simeone left him on the bench throughout the encounter despite having opportunities to introduce another attacking player.
The decision attracted attention because Lookman had previously been an important part of the Argentine manager’s plans, making his reduced involvement a notable development.
Simeone had earlier publicly encouraged the Nigerian to remain patient, work hard and maintain his confidence despite his difficult spell. However, his recent selection decisions suggest that Lookman must fight harder to regain a regular starting position.
Despite the transfer speculation, there is no indication that the Nigerian has formally requested to leave Atlético Madrid. Reports from Italy also suggest that the club’s supporters have not turned against him.
The Spanish side are equally unlikely to sanction his departure without carefully considering their own squad requirements.
Atlético reportedly do not want to lose both Lookman and Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth during the January window, with the latter also attracting interest from Juventus.
The club are understood to be willing to consider the departure of only one of the two forwards, and only if suitable replacements can be secured.
Atlético invested €35m, with a further €5m in potential bonuses, to bring Lookman from Atalanta, and the Nigerian remains under contract until 2030. Consequently, any interested club would have to negotiate acceptable financial terms with the Spanish side.
For Lookman, the coming months could prove decisive in determining the direction of his career. A return to Serie A under Gasperini could offer an opportunity to rediscover the attacking freedom that made him a European sensation, while a move to Fenerbahçe could provide a different challenge and potentially greater involvement.
However, the Nigerian’s immediate priority will be to convince Simeone that he still deserves an important role in Atlético’s plans.
With Roma and Fenerbahçe reportedly monitoring developments, the January transfer window could become a defining moment for the Super Eagles star as he looks to revive his fortunes and regain the consistency that made him one of Nigeria’s most celebrated players in European football.
