LaLiga champions Real Madrid have joined in the race for in-form Ademola Lookman, with the UEFA Champions League holders hoping to bring the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabeu as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior.
Lookman has been in dazzling form since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35 million plus bonuses, scoring 39 goals and contributing 23 assists in 90 competitive appearances for the Italian club, and he has been linked with a number of major European clubs.
The 27-year-old was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in August, with Sports Zone suggesting that he had signed a personal agreement with the French club.
Lookman played 45 games last season, scoring 17 goals and assisting 10 times.
His most memorable moment occurred in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, when he scored a magnificent hat-trick to capture the cup for Atalanta.
He has shown no signs of slowing down this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 12 games.
Though Atalanta managed to keep the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, they may be forced to sell him in the near future, with numerous big clubs fighting for his signature after another successful season.
Madrid is preparing for the potential departure of star forward Vinicius, with Al-Hilal apparently preparing a record-breaking €300 million proposal for the Brazilian, whose transfer value might surpass Neymar’s €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.
According to Spanish website Fichajes vía El Futbolero, the Saudi Pro League team is targeting Vinicius as a marquee recruit and potential replacement for Neymar, who may leave Al-Hilal by the end of the season.
The Los Blancos have identified Lookman as a good option to fill the vacancy if the deal for the Brazilian goes through.
“Faced with uncertainty over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal, the Merengues have set their sights on a promising Serie A talent. Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta, has emerged as one of the main options to take the Brazilian’s place should he decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu,” the website wrote.
“Lookman’s qualities make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack. His versatility to play on both wings, his speed, and his dribbling ability make him an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations. In addition, his ability to link up with his teammates and create dangerous plays makes him a perfect complement to Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play.”
According to Transfermarkt, the Nigerian is valued at €60 million, which Madrid is willing to spend.
Lookman was named the 14th greatest player in the world at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, and he is also a favourite for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
