- Real Madrid eyes Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a potential replacement for Vinícius Júnior over his possible move to Saudi Arabia
- The Nigerian forward has attracted the interest of multiple top European clubs, including PSG and Arsenal
- The Super Eagles star is valued at €60 million, and his versatility makes him a fitting option to strengthen the club’s forward line
In the world of football, few clubs carry the same aura and weight of expectation as Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have long been known for their ability to attract the very best talent in the world, and now, it appears they’re targeting one of Europe’s top elite, Super Eagles Ademola Lookman.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward, who has been in scintillating form since his move to Serie A, could soon be making his way to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, potentially as a replacement for the recent Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinícius Júnior.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for a reported €9.35 million plus bonuses, Lookman has been nothing short of a revelation. With 39 goals and 23 assists in just 90 appearances, he’s quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in European football. His pace, creative playmaking, and clinical finishing have made him a key figure for Atalanta, and it’s no surprise that top clubs are circling.
Lookman’s standout performance came in last season’s UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered a jaw-dropping hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s triumph. This season, the Nigerian international has picked up where he left off, with seven goals and five assists from just 12 appearances, continuing his upward trajectory.
Real Madrid’s interest in Lookman comes at a time when the club is preparing for a potential shake-up in their attacking ranks. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Vinícius Júnior, one of Madrid’s brightest young stars, could be on his way out, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal allegedly preparing a world-record €300 million bid to prise the Brazilian away from the Spanish capital.
If the move goes through, it would eclipse the €222 million transfer fee that saw Neymar join Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.
With this uncertainty surrounding Vinícius’s future, Real Madrid is keen to bolster their attacking options, and Lookman appears to be an ideal candidate. Lookman’s ability to adapt to different attacking roles gives him the flexibility to thrive alongside Madrid’s other marquee signings, such as Kylian Mbappé, who joined this summer.
According to Transfermarket, Lookman is currently valued at €60 million, a fee that Real Madrid could comfortably afford. However, with growing interest from other top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, his market value could rise even further. Lookman’s impressive performances also saw him ranked as the 14th-best player in the world at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
While Real Madrid has traditionally focused on younger talents over the years, Lookman’s arrival could be a shift in recruitment strategy, and despite being 27 years old, approaching the prime of his career, his proven track record in Europe and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments make him an appealing choice.
Super Eagles star Lookman shares his next milestone after Ballon d'Or nomination
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s biggest football talents, has set new goals after being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or and CAF Men's Player of the Year awards.
The Atalanta BC star has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building on his recent successes with both his club and national teams.
