Ademola Lookman on Barcelona’s Transfer List

In a recent report by Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, it has been revealed that Barcelona is keeping tabs on Atalanta’s Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman. The 27-year-old has apparently set his sights on a move to the Catalan giants, with a potential price tag of around €30 million.

An Attractive Attacker…

While Lookman may not be at the top of Barça’s priority list, his performances this season have certainly caught the eye of scouts across Europe. The versatile attacker has been in scintillating form, notching up an impressive 17 goals and 7 assists in just 30 matches for Atalanta. His goal-scoring prowess has outshined some of the more high-profile targets Barcelona has been linked with, including Nico Williams and Rafael Leao.

Lookman’s ability to play across the front line makes him an attractive option for Barcelona, who are in search of depth in their attacking positions. Primarily operating as a left-winger, he has shown the flexibility to slot into various roles, including as a second striker or on the right flank. This versatility could prove invaluable for a Barcelona side looking to compete on multiple fronts.

The Nigerian international’s stats speak volumes about his impact on the pitch. In Serie A alone, Lookman has bagged 10 goals in 19 appearances, averaging an impressive 0.68 goals per 90 minutes. His expected goals (xG) of 9.77 demonstrates that his scoring isn’t just a fluke but a result of consistently getting into dangerous positions.

…At Good Value

What makes Lookman an even more appealing prospect is his relatively modest salary demands compared to some of Barcelona’s other targets. Currently earning around €2 million net per year at Atalanta, he wouldn’t put too much strain on Barça’s delicate wage structure.

However, it’s worth noting that Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, while appreciating Lookman’s quality, doesn’t consider him their top priority at the moment. The club is likely weighing its options carefully, considering factors such as age, potential resale value, and tactical fit within Flick’s system.

Despite this, Lookman’s desire to don the Blaugrana colors could play in Barcelona’s favor if they decide to pursue his signature. His current contract with Atalanta runs until 2026, but there are indications that he’s keen on a new challenge, especially after a recent fallout with his coach, Gasperini, over a missed penalty in a Champions League match.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Lookman’s dream of playing for Barcelona will materialize. For now, the Nigerian continues to light up Serie A, proving week in and week out why he deserves to be on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.