Osimhen factor? 3 reasons Lookman may snub Fenerbahçe for Atlético Madrid stay

Suggestions that Ademola Lookman could leave Atlético Madrid this summer is way off the mark, says former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, Afrik-Foot reports.

Peseiro insists the Nigerian forward is only beginning to show his full potential in Spain and will reach new heights for the Spanish giants next season.

Lookman arrived at Atlético from Atalanta during the January transfer window in a deal worth around €40 million and quickly settled into life under Diego Simeone. The 28-year-old became a favourite among supporters at the Wanda Metropolitano after producing nine goals and four assists in his first 23 appearances.

His impressive start helped Atlético reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Copa del Rey final.

Still, there have been reports in Spain suggesting that Atlético could be open to offers for Lookman. This has prompted Turkish giants Fenerbahçe to continue to monitor the situation. The Istanbul club had been close to signing the Super Eagles forward before his move to Spain and have revived their interest as they seek major additions ahead of next season.

Peseiro, however, believes Atlético supporters have not yet seen the best of the Super Eagles star.

“Next season we’ll see an even better Lookman at Atlético,” Peseiro told AS. “More decisive. And, although for me he’s very decisive when he’s in the central areas and his best position is behind the striker, I think he’s going to play on the wing.”

The Portuguese coach highlighted the qualities that make Lookman such a dangerous attacker.

“His best quality is his footwork,” he said.

Peseiro also believes Lookman’s transformation began during his years in Italy.

“Italy changed him. There, he immersed himself in Simeone’s methods. In many conversations, he told me that he had to run a lot, work hard on tactics and defense – characteristics he didn’t possess before, but which he developed immensely during that period,” said Peseiro.

“It gave him that capacity for tactical commitment, not just in attacking plays and transitions. When Atlético saw him, they knew they had a complete player, capable of being outstanding in every moment of the game. The moment the team loses possession, he’s there, ready to win it back.”

According to Peseiro, those qualities explain why Lookman’s adaptation to Simeone’s demanding system was almost immediate.

🤩⚡️ Ademola Lookman: the FIRST player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final! Today, he turns 28! 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/ixNpvyRSbS

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 20, 2025

Three reasons Lookman could reject Fenerbahçe

Fenerbahçe’s pursuit of Lookman has its roots in one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the winter window.

The Turkish club had agreed a €40 million package with Atalanta and offered the Nigerian a four-and-a-half-year contract worth €8.5 million net per season. Lookman reportedly accepted the terms, signed the paperwork and returned the documents.

However, the transfer collapsed after disagreements over bank guarantees demanded by Atalanta. Reports in Turkey later claimed Fenerbahçe also delayed the deal while attempting to secure a move for N’Golo Kanté. That hesitation opened the door for Atlético, who matched the fee and completed the transfer.

That failed move remains one reason why Lookman may be reluctant to move to Istanbul.

The second reason is sporting ambition. Atlético compete regularly for major honours in La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cup competitions. Having already established himself in one of Europe’s strongest leagues, a move to the Turkish Süper Lig would represent a step down in competitive level.

The third factor could be the possibility of playing alongside fellow Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen. Reports in Spain suggest Atlético are exploring a move for the Nigerian striker as a potential replacement for Julián Álvarez.

Should Osimhen arrive in Madrid, the prospect of forming an all-Nigerian attacking partnership at the Metropolitano would be hugely attractive for Lookman.

With Peseiro convinced that an even stronger version of the forward will emerge next season, and with Atlético offering elite-level football and long-term stability, Fenerbahçe may once again find themselves watching Lookman from afar rather than welcoming him to Istanbul.