Ademola Lookman: Key reasons Atletico Madrid ace could be La Liga’s biggest star next season

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is expected to remain at Atlético Madrid this summer despite strong interest from clubs in Turkey and Italy, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Everton star only joined the Spanish giants in February after completing a €40 million move from Atalanta, and the club appears to have no plans to sell him just months into his long-term contract.

The 27-year-old signed a deal that runs until June 2030, a pointer to Atlético’s belief that he can become an important player for both their La Liga and UEFA Champions League ambitions.

In recent weeks, transfer speculation has gathered pace. Turkish champions Galatasaray identified Lookman as one of their priority targets as they looked to strengthen their attack. Reports claimed that Nigeria teammate Victor Osimhen played an active role in trying to convince Lookman to move to Istanbul after enjoying success with the Turkish club.

Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid. Copyright: ImagoxRicardoxLarreinax

Although Lookman was believed to be interested in the project, reports suggested he wanted Galatasaray to first reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid before discussing personal terms. However, those talks never moved far because Atlético were unwilling to let one of their newest signings leave.

Italian giants Inter Milan also kept an eye on the winger’s situation. After watching him shine during his time in Serie A with Atalanta, the Nerazzurri reportedly considered bringing him back to Italy if an opportunity arose.

Rumours also claimed Atlético could consider offers worth around €50 million. Some reports suggested Lookman was still adjusting to Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system, which requires attackers to defend aggressively, press opponents relentlessly and maintain strict positional discipline.

Despite those claims, club insiders have maintained that Atlético see Lookman as a valuable member of the squad rather than a player available for sale. His numbers after arriving midway through last season support that belief. Despite joining during the middle of the campaign and having little time to adapt, he contributed nine goals and four assists in just 24 appearances.

Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman. Copyright: xAcero/AlterPhotos/IMAGO

That return convinced Atlético that their investment is already paying off. Having spent €40 million to secure his signature and handed him a four-year contract, the club views the Nigerian international as a player capable of making an even bigger impact over the coming seasons.

Reasons Lookman is ready to reach another level at Atlético Madrid

Lookman now heads into his first full season in Spain under very different circumstances from when he arrived in January. Instead of trying to learn a new league, new teammates and a new tactical system in the middle of a busy campaign, he has enjoyed months of preparation that could transform his performances.

The first major advantage is his complete summer break. In recent years, Lookman has rarely enjoyed an extended holiday because of transfer expectations, demanding club schedule, continental competitions and international duty with Nigeria. This time, he has been able to recover fully, allowing his body to heal from months of intense football while also refreshing mentally. That rest should reduce fatigue and lower the risk of injuries during the long campaign ahead.

Secondly, Lookman will experienced a full pre-season under Diego Simeone. When he first arrived, he had to adapt immediately to one of Europe’s most demanding coaches. Simeone expects every player to defend with intensity, press aggressively and understand complex tactical movements. A complete pre-season gives Lookman valuable time to master those responsibilities before competitive matches begin, making him a far more complete player.

Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid celebrates. Copyright: ImagoxChengxMin

Another important factor is the chemistry he has now developed with his teammates. During his first six months in Madrid, he was still learning the movement and passing patterns of players around him. Spending the summer training alongside the squad helps build trust and understanding, making attacking moves smoother and creating more chances in front of goal. That growing partnership with Atlético’s midfielders and forwards, especially Julian Alvarez, could increase both his goals and assists.

Finally, Lookman enters the season knowing he is part of Atlético’s long-term plans. With his contract running until 2030 and the club showing confidence in him despite transfer rumours, he can focus entirely on football instead of constant speculation about his future. Having already adjusted to the speed and physical demands of Spanish football, the Super Eagles star is now in a position to use his pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal from the very first match of the new season.

If he builds on last season’s nine goals and four assists while benefiting from a full pre-season and greater tactical understanding, Lookman could establish himself as Atlético Madrid’s most influential attacker in both La Liga and the Champions League during the 2026/27 campaign.