Ademola Lookman Roma links have taken a decisive turn. The Super Eagles forward is dissatisfied with his time at Atletico Madrid and his agent has made clear he wants to leave in January, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport — and Roma are circling for a reunion with Gian Piero Gasperini.
It is a sharp escalation from just days ago, when reports in Italy said Lookman had made no transfer request and would only weigh up his options if his minutes did not improve. Now, with the January window approaching, the Nigerian’s camp has gone public with his unhappiness — and Roma are watching closely.
Ademola Lookman Roma: Lookman wants to leave Atletico
Lookman has played only 735 minutes of football this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances for Atletico. His output is a long way from the player who thrived under Gasperini at Atalanta, where he became one of Europe’s most effective wingers.
The clearest sign of his slide came on November 8, when Diego Simeone left him on the bench for the whole of Atletico’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, even as the Spanish side chased an equaliser. Alex Baena has moved ahead of him in the pecking order, and his Champions League involvement has been limited to substitute appearances.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 29-year-old is dissatisfied with his experience in Madrid, which is why his agent has announced he would like to leave Simeone’s side. Roma are monitoring the situation, although the report stresses it remains a difficult move to finalise in January.
Roma circle for a Gasperini reunion
Roma are looking for a dynamic winger who can bring pace and power to their attack. Gasperini has quality up front in Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but lacks a physical, direct runner in the mould of Gervinho — the profile Lookman fits.
A move to the Italian capital would reunite Lookman with the coach under whom he produced the best football of his career. He starred in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League triumph and scored nine goals in 24 appearances after joining Atletico last January, but his form has dipped sharply since.
There are, however, big obstacles. Real Madrid youngster Endrick remains Roma’s priority, and Atletico are said to be willing to let only one of Lookman and Alexander Sorloth leave in January — and only once a replacement is found. Lookman cost €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses last January, is under contract until 2030 and earns around €6 million a year, which makes any January deal expensive. Fenerbahce are also still in the picture, with Atletico reportedly weighing a swap deal involving Marco Asensio.
What it means for the Super Eagles
For now, Lookman’s focus is on international duty. He is with the Super Eagles in Uyo for tonight’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, the first of a double-header that continues in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
With Victor Osimhen sidelined after knee surgery and Samuel Chukwueze also out, Lookman is expected to lead the attack in Uyo, with The Sun tipping him to start alongside Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams. A strong showing tonight would be the perfect reminder of his quality — whatever January holds.
For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) — collage by SportsBuddy
