Ademola Lookman: 3 reasons Nigerian attacker won’t join Roma

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has been linked with a summer transfer to Italian Serie A club Roma.

​The 28-year-old has endured a tough start to the season at Atletico Madrid, which has seen him lose his place in the starting eleven to Alex Baena. In recent weeks, the former Atalanta man has had to come off the bench.

​As his struggles at Atleti persist, fresh reports have emerged linking him with a move to Roma, who are looking to bolster their attack. The Giallorossi currently sit third in the Serie A table, two points behind leaders Lazio. Adding a player of Lookman’s caliber would certainly boost their chances of winning silverware.

​However, securing Lookman’s signature will be a daunting task for Roma. In fact, it is almost impossible. In this article, Afrik-Foot examines three reasons why the Super Eagles star might not move to Roma.

​Ademola Lookman’s Complicated Relationship with Gian Piero Gasperini

​The current Roma manager is Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been in charge since last year. Gasperini has done a remarkable job at the club, securing European qualification last season and now positioning them to challenge Serie A’s heavyweights for the league title.

​However, Lookman does not have the best history with Gasperini. The pair worked together at Atalanta, where Lookman played some of the finest football of his career.

Roma are watching Ademola Lookman as a possible January option, Italian newspaper Repubblica reports 🗞️🚨 Further reports, published in English by Goal, state that Lookman is among the players shortlisted by Roma’s sporting department. https://t.co/MqhK1Of9wx

— Afrik-Foot NG (@AfrikFootNG) November 12, 2026

​During his penultimate season in Bergamo, their relationship soured after the Italian tactician labeled him one of the worst penalty takers he had ever seen, following a costly miss in the Champions League.

​Lookman fired back, describing the public criticism as hurtful and disrespectful. Although the two appeared to have buried the hatchet, the Nigerian forward may not be keen on a reunion.

​Can Roma Afford Him?

​Ademola Lookman currently earns €240,385 per week at Atletico Madrid, whereas Roma’s highest earner, Donyell Malen, takes home €142,500 weekly. If Roma want to land Lookman, they would need to match — or come close to matching — his current wages. That remains highly improbable given the club’s strict wage structure.

​Moreover, the Giallorossi have never spent more than €42 million on a single player. Since Atletico Madrid paid roughly €40 million for him barely a year ago, they are unlikely to entertain offers below that figure.

​A loan arrangement is also improbable given Lookman’s age and contract length. If Roma genuinely want him, they will need to pay up.

​Atletico Madrid Might Not Want to Sell

​Despite Ademola Lookman’s dip in form, Atletico Madrid may be reluctant to let him go. Manager Diego Simeone holds the forward in high regard and is likely eager to keep him.

Also, Lookman remains one of the most seasoned figures in the squad.

​He has already proven his quality at the highest level, and while he is experiencing a rough patch, Atletico do not have an alternative of similar caliber. Allowing the Nigerian international to depart could prove to be a costly mistake.