Barcelona’s Deco to prioritise move for Super Eagles star wanted by Chelsea, Juventus, Arsenal, Liverpool

Barcelona are considering a summer move for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as sporting director Deco looks to reshape the club’s attacking options, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman, who has enjoyed a standout campaign with Atalanta, has reportedly climbed to the top of Barcelona’s transfer wishlist, overtaking AC Milan‘s Rafael Leao.

According to El Nacional, the Blaugrana have cooled their interest in Leao due to his inconsistent performances and off-field controversies, leaving Lookman as a more appealing and affordable option.

Some Ademola Lookman magic against Empoli #EmpoliAtalanta pic.twitter.com/Uuf8h0ixEz

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 24, 2025

Super Eagles star Lookman, Deco’s choice
Deco is said to be a strong advocate for the Super Eagles winger, believing the 26-year-old’s profile would fit perfectly into new head coach Hansi Flick’s tactical system.

Atalanta star Ademola Lookman with the Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO
The former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder views Lookman as a more cost-effective alternative to Leao, whose price tag could exceed €100m.

Deco is convinced Lookman’s dynamic style and versatility would add a new dimension to Barcelona’s attack under Flick. The former England youth international can operate on either wing or as a second striker, offering the kind of flexibility that aligns with Flick’s high-pressing, fast-paced philosophy.

Nigeria Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. [Photo credit/Imago]
Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs until 2026, but his strained relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini has made a summer exit highly likely. Reports suggest the Bergamo club could be open to selling him for around €50m — a fee Barcelona see as reasonable in their current financial situation.

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 11, 2024

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Barcelona’s interest adds to a growing list of suitors for Lookman, who has impressed again this term with 17 goals and seven assists for Atalanta.

Juventus are reportedly eyeing the Nigerian as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, while Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also monitoring his situation.

Nigeria Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Photo by IMAGO
Lookman’s stock rose significantly after his unforgettable hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last year, a performance that ended the German side’s unbeaten season and secured the Italian club’s first-ever European trophy.

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 5, 2025

However, the forward’s relationship with Gasperini has since deteriorated, with the pair reportedly falling out after Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League last month. The breakdown in communication has left Atalanta with little choice but to cash in on one of their prized assets.

Ademola Lookman wins the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year award in December. Photo Credit X
Barcelona are expected to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks as they look to beat off competition from Juventus and several Premier League clubs.

With Lookman carefully weighing his options, a move to the Camp Nou could see him become the latest Nigerian to wear the iconic Barcelona shirt — following in the footsteps of Emmanuel Amuneke and Samuel Okunowo.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.