Ademola Lookman: How Fenerbahçe plan to turn Roma’s move upside down

Ademola Lookman could leave Spain barely a year after joining Atlético Madrid from Atalanta, with interest growing ahead of the January transfer window.

AS Roma are interested in bringing the Nigeria international back to Serie A, where he enjoyed some of the best football of his career under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Fenerbahçe, however, could throw a spanner in the works as they consider a move for the Super Eagles forward.

Fenerbahçe transfer plan for Ademola Lookman

Fenerbahçe have long admired Ademola Lookman and could get another chance to sign him after losing out to Atlético Madrid in the race for his signature earlier this year.

The Turkish club could negotiate a deal with Atlético, who are reportedly considering offering the Nigerian in exchange for Marco Asensio.

Atlético want to bring Asensio back to Spain and see Lookman as a possible makeweight in negotiations with Fenerbahçe ahead of the January transfer window.

Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, citing Spanish publication AS, reports that Atlético have placed Asensio on their transfer wishlist and are considering including Lookman in the deal.

The proposed swap could suit Fenerbahçe, who were interested in the former Fulham and Everton forward before he moved to Madrid.

Lookman’s future at Atlético has come into question after a difficult start to the 2026–27 season. The 29-year-old has scored just twice and provided one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions, having managed nine goals in 24 matches during his first half-season at the club.

Lookman’s struggles open door for January exit

Ademola Lookman has scored once in 11 La Liga appearances, while his Champions League involvement has been limited to four substitute appearances.

He has also struggled to hold down a regular place under Diego Simeone, who has substituted him eight times in 11 league matches, including several half-time withdrawals.

Álex Baena has moved ahead of him in the battle for a starting place, while Simeone’s decision to leave Lookman on the bench throughout Atlético’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on November 8 further showed his present standing at the club.

The Nigerian, currently in Uyo for Nigeria vs Tanzania, was overlooked even as the manager brought on Alexander Sørloth and Jonathan David.

Roma are also keen on Lookman, with Gasperini interested in reuniting with the forward he worked with at Atalanta. However, Fenerbahçe could offer Atlético a different way to complete their January business.

Atlético eye Asensio despite injury setback

Asensio has scored twice and provided one assist in eight appearances for Fenerbahçe this season.

The Spanish midfielder found the net twice in three Süper Lig outings before suffering a cartilage injury in his knee on October 13. He is not expected to return until early January 2027.

Despite the setback, Atlético remain interested in the former Real Madrid player.

Whether Fenerbahçe would accept a swap involving Asensio and Lookman remains unclear. Atlético must also decide whether they are ready to part with the Nigerian less than a year after bringing him to Spain.