Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid has entered the competition to sign Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta. With Vinicius Junior’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu uncertain, Real Madrid is reportedly considering Lookman as a strong candidate to bolster their attack if Vinicius departs.
Lookman has been a standout player since his arrival at Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. The 27-year-old joined the Italian club for €9.35 million, and he quickly became one of their top performers. Over two seasons, he has scored an impressive 39 goals and provided 23 assists across 90 matches.
His consistent performances have captured the attention of several top European clubs, positioning him as a sought-after talent.
Lookman’s form has only continued to improve. Last season, he scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists over 45 appearances. His crowning moment came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a memorable hat-trick to help Atalanta secure the trophy.
As Vinicius Junior faces a potential record-breaking €300 million bid from Saudi club Al-Hilal, Real Madrid is weighing options to replace their Brazilian star. Al-Hilal’s interest in Vinicius has intensified, with the club reportedly viewing him as a high-profile addition to their squad.
In light of this, Real Madrid has focused on Lookman due to his ability to adapt across attacking positions and his skillful playstyle, which aligns well with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics. The Nigerian forward’s speed, technical dribbling, and playmaking skills make him an attractive option for Los Blancos.
Valued at €60 million according to Transfermarkt, Lookman is within Real Madrid’s financial reach, and negotiations could progress if Vinicius accepts Al-Hilal’s offer.
Lookman recently achieved a career milestone by ranking 14th in the Ballon d’Or and remains a favorite for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, enhancing his appeal to Europe’s elite clubs.
