Madrid eye Lookman as Vinicius’ replacement
The UEFA Champions League champions are attempting to lure the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabeu as a potential Vinicius Junior successor, and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid has entered the fight for the in-form Ademola Lookman.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35 million plus bonuses, Lookman has been in incredible form. In 90 competitive games for the Italian team, he has scored 39 goals and provided 23 assists, and he has been linked to several elite European clubs.
After reaching a personal agreement with the French powerhouse, Sports Zone reported that the 27-year-old was on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain in August.
Lookman played in 45 games last season, with 10 assists and 17 goals. His most memorable event occurred during the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted a stunning hat-trick to secure the trophy for Atalanta.
He has not shown any sign of slowing down this season and has chipped in seven goals and provided five assists from 12 appearances.
Though Atalanta were able to hold on to the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, they may be forced to cash in on him any time soon, with several top clubs vying for his signature following another impressive season.
With Al-Hilal apparently preparing a record-breaking €300 million bid for the Brazilian, whose transfer value might surpass Neymar's €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017, Madrid is getting ready for the potential departure of its star forward Vinicius.
The Saudi Pro League team is considering Vinicius as a marquee addition and possible replacement for Neymar, who may depart Al-Hilal at the end of the season, according to Spanish publication Fichajes vía El Futbolero.
In the event that the agreement for the Brazilian is finalised, Lookman has emerged as a formidable contender to take Lookman's place.
The Merengues have their sights set on a promising Serie A player in light of the uncertainties surrounding Vinícius Jr.'s contract renewal. Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has become one of the main options to take the Brazilian’s place should he decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu,” the website wrote.
“Lookman’s qualities make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack. His versatility to play on both wings, his speed, and his dribbling ability make him an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations. In addition, his ability to link up with his teammates and create dangerous plays makes him a perfect complement to Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play.”
According to Transfermarkt, the Nigerian is valued at €60m, a fee Madrid will have no problem paying.
At the recent Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris, Lookman was ranked 14th best player in the world and is also considered the favourite for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
