Barcelona chief Deco reveals what Lookman signing has done to Atletico Madrid

Barcelona sporting director Deco has shared his thoughts on Atletico Madrid signing Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, following their emphatic win over Barcelona, Afrik-Foot reports.

Deco was speaking after watching Lookman play a key role in Atletico’s stunning 4-0 victory on Thursday night in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

The former Atalanta attacker scored once and also provided an assist as Diego Simeone’s men tore Barcelona apart inside the first half at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Mola 👑 pic.twitter.com/ZfltvMruWC

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 13, 2026

Interestingly, Lookman had previously been offered to Barcelona on two occasions and was said to be admired by Deco. However, the Catalan club chose not to push ahead with a move.

Atletico Madrid acted decisively during the winter transfer window, beating Turkish side Fenerbahçe to secure Lookman’s signature in a deal worth around €35 million plus bonuses.

The former Everton star has already begun repaying that faith, helping Atletico record their first 4⊥-0 win over Barcelona since 1989. While Atletico made three signings in January, Lookman was the only new arrival trusted with a starting role in the huge clash.

Deco admits Atletico have improved with Lookman arrival

Clearly disappointed by Barcelona’s heavy defeat, Deco openly praised Atletico for strengthening their squad, with Lookman playing a big part in that improvement.

“I think we’ll be better,” Deco said as per MundoDeportivo. “When you get players back, it’s better. Today, it wasn’t a question of having or not having. It was a question of intensity.

“We knew that Atlético had a team with great players. They have improved with the winter signings, but we didn’t approach the first half as we should have.”We have to think about La Liga, and the second leg is still a long way off.”

All four of Atletico Madrid’s goals came before half-time, leaving Barcelona with too much to do after the break.

Reflecting further, Deco admitted his side were second best across the pitch in the opening period, especially in terms of aggression and energy.

“The first half was tough. Atletico were much better than us, with more intensity and being more aggressive in the challenges.

“Indeed, the pitch didn’t help, but that’s no excuse because we weren’t good.

“In the second half, we improved, we scored, and I don’t know if it was a goal or not because I don’t know how long it took them to check for offside.

“This team has shown that we can come back. We have to focus on La Liga, that’s the most important thing.”

Since arriving in Madrid, Lookman has made an instant impact, recording two goals and two assists in just three appearances, quickly proving why Atletico fought so hard to bring him in.