Ademola Lookman: Why Atletico Madrid could consider January sale

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman could face a defining period in his Atletico Madrid career ahead of the January transfer window.

The Nigerian forward joined Atletico from Italian side Atalanta in February 2026 after establishing himself as one of Europe’s exciting attacking players. He impressed during his time in Italy, helping Atalanta win the Europa League in 2024 with a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman also enjoyed an impressive start to life at Atletico Madrid during the second half of last season. He quickly became an important attacking option for Diego Simeone and played a key role as the Spanish side reached the Copa del Rey final.

The 29-year-old even found the net in the final before being substituted due to injury. Atletico also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were eventually eliminated by Arsenal.

However, the current campaign has been a more difficult experience for the Super Eagles forward, who has struggled to reproduce the performances that made him such an exciting signing.

Lookman has managed just two goals across all competitions this season and has found it difficult to establish the same influence in Atletico’s attack and his absence from Atletico’s recent clash against Barcelona also raised further questions about his status in the team.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico could consider allowing the former Atalanta forward leave the club during the January transfer window if his situation does not improve.

Although no final decision has been made, there are reasons the Spanish club could reassess his future midway through the campaign.

Why Atletico Madrid could consider allowing Ademola Lookman leave in January

1. Lookman’s dip in form

One of the biggest reasons Atletico Madrid could consider a January sale is Ademola Lookman’s recent decline in form.

The Super Eagles forward arrived at the club with a strong reputation following his impressive performances at Atalanta. However, he has struggled to maintain those standards this season, with just two goals across all competitions highlighting his difficulties in front of goal.

The lack of consistent output could also become a concern for Simeone and the club’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany.

Lookman still has the quality to turn his situation around, but he must rediscover his confidence and demonstrate why Atletico were willing to spend so much to bring him to Madrid.

2. Competition for attacking places

Another issue that could influence Atletico’s decision is the competition for places in Simeone’s attacking department.

The Argentine manager has several attacking options to choose from and Lookman must consistently perform to be assured of a place in the lineup.

If the 29-year-old continues to struggle for regular minutes, Atletico could begin to consider whether to keep him or let him leave the club in the winter.

With his contract running until June 2030, the Spanish heavyweights are not under immediate pressure to sell him.

However, if his performances and playing time do not improve, Atletico may have to consider whether to keep him on the bench or let him leave the club if a suitable offer comes in January.

Italian side AS Roma have shown interest in signing the Super Eagles forward in recent days and a return to Serie A could be what Lookman needs to return to his best.