Barcelona rejected Lookman twice and now face the Nigerian fury in Atletico colours

It’s been only a few days since Ademola Lookman arrived in Spain from Atalanta but the Nigerian forward is already the most talked-about attacker in Spanish football.

This is after a blistering Atlético Madrid debut that announced his arrival with authority. Signed from Atalanta for €35 million in the final days of the transfer window, Lookman tore Real Betis apart in the Copa del Rey quarter-final, scoring once, setting up another, and playing a big part in yet another in a ruthless 5-0 rout.

Yet what makes his impact even more striking is that Barcelona had two clear chances to sign him, and passed both times.

Proud to wear this badge for the first time, happy to get my first goal and even happier with the win. Aupa Atleti!! 🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/KrtoNgN0jK

— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 6, 2026

The Catalan club had tracked Lookman closely since 2024, particularly after his unforgettable Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen, a performance witnessed in person by sporting director Deco. Internally, he was viewed as a potential game-changer, a winger capable of transforming Barça’s attack.

There were also strong personal links. Lookman’s representatives are the same agency that handles Marc-André ter Stegen, a relationship that had already delivered the German goalkeeper’s long-term renewal. Communication lines were open, trust was established, and the door was very much ajar.

Did you know? The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s 🇳🇬 legend, Ademola Lookman, is the first and only player in the world to score a hattrick in a Europa League final. 🫡😲pic.twitter.com/WZqsVsEWYi

— Africa First (@AfricaFirsts) February 5, 2026

But Barcelona hesitated.

In 2024, the club prioritised Dani Olmo and chased Nico Williams instead. Lookman, despite being more affordable, was ultimately shelved. Financial restrictions and LaLiga’s salary cap meant Barça ended the summer without signing any winger at all.

A year later, history repeated itself. Lookman became available again in 2025, but Barça’s finances forced another rethink. Their focus shifted once more to Nico Williams and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, before settling on a loan move for Marcus Rashford as the only viable option.

Meanwhile, Atalanta blocked Lookman’s proposed €45 million switch to Inter Milan. Frustration grew, tensions flared, and the Nigerian winger pushed for a way out, a situation Atlético Madrid swiftly exploited.

Diego Simeone’s side moved decisively where Barcelona could not.

Ademola Lookman unveiled as an Atletico Madrid player. [Photo Credit/ Imago]

Ademola Lookman to take Atletico Madrid to next level

Atlético have already begun reaping the rewards.

Thrown straight into the starting XI for his competitive debut, Lookman delivered a performance that blended power, pace and ruthless efficiency. He bullied Betis defenders, glided past challenges, scored a composed first-half goal and later created Antoine Griezmann’s strike with a surging run through midfield.

“It’s easy to see how quickly he’s fitted in,” Griezmann said afterwards. “Anyone who joins us is welcomed with open arms – and we can see that with Lookman.”

The display sealed Atlético’s place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and set up the most poetic twist of all: a two-legged showdown with Barcelona.

The first leg will take place at the Metropolitano on 11 February, before the return fixture at the Olympic Stadium on 4 March. It will pit Lookman against teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Barça’s breakout star, in a clash of generations and styles.

The tie carries an uncomfortable subtext for Barcelona.

They will face the very winger they admired, tracked and twice declined but now sharpened by Simeone’s intensity and already thriving in Spanish football. Lookman will arrive in the semi-final full of confidence after productive seasons in Italy and a strong Africa Cup of Nations showing. Even more, Atlético see him as another weapon in their relentless, transition-based attack.

Barcelona may feel vindicated by Marcus Rashford’s impressive numbers this season, with the club planning to activate his €30 million purchase clause in the summer. But football rarely deals in neat conclusions.