Barcelona are considering a summer move for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as sporting director Deco looks to reshape the club's attacking options, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman, who has enjoyed a standout campaign with Atalanta, has reportedly climbed to the top of Barcelona's transfer wishlist, overtaking AC Milan‘s Rafael Leao.
According to El Nacional, the Blaugrana have cooled their interest in Leao due to his inconsistent performances and off-field controversies, leaving Lookman as a more appealing and affordable option.
Some Ademola Lookman magic against Empoli #EmpoliAtalanta pic.twitter.com/Uuf8h0ixEz
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 24, 2025
Super Eagles star Lookman, Deco's choice
Deco is said to be a strong advocate for the Super Eagles winger, believing the 26-year-old's profile would fit perfectly into new head coach Hansi Flick's tactical system.
The former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder views Lookman as a more cost-effective alternative to Leao, whose price tag could exceed €100m.
Deco is convinced Lookman's dynamic style and versatility would add a new dimension to Barcelona's attack under Flick. The former England youth international can operate on either wing or as a second striker, offering the kind of flexibility that aligns with Flick's high-pressing, fast-paced philosophy.
Lookman's contract with Atalanta runs until 2026, but his strained relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini has made a summer exit highly likely. Reports suggest the Bergamo club could be open to selling him for around €50m — a fee Barcelona see as reasonable in their current financial situation.
| Atalanta value Ademola Lookman (26) at around €25-30m!
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 11, 2024
A transfer this summer is possible but he only wants to join a ‘top club', reports @Plettigoal. pic.twitter.com/ssuzZp4coX
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Barcelona's interest adds to a growing list of suitors for Lookman, who has impressed again this term with 17 goals and seven assists for Atalanta.
Juventus are reportedly eyeing the Nigerian as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, while Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also monitoring his situation.
Lookman's stock rose significantly after his unforgettable hat-trick in Atalanta's Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last year, a performance that ended the German side's unbeaten season and secured the Italian club's first-ever European trophy.
Ademola Lookman's representatives have been in talks with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham over a potential summer move.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 5, 2025
(Source: @TBRFootball) pic.twitter.com/nyhKDxLMWJ
However, the forward's relationship with Gasperini has since deteriorated, with the pair reportedly falling out after Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League last month. The breakdown in communication has left Atalanta with little choice but to cash in on one of their prized assets.
Barcelona are expected to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks as they look to beat off competition from Juventus and several Premier League clubs.
With Lookman carefully weighing his options, a move to the Camp Nou could see him become the latest Nigerian to wear the iconic Barcelona shirt — following in the footsteps of Emmanuel Amuneke and Samuel Okunowo.
