Barça Passed on Lookman Twice, Then He Shines in Madrid

Transfer Twist in Spain

A Spanish press report revealed that Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman was on Barcelona's radar more than once before ending up with Atlético Madrid in the latest transfer window.

Sport, the Catalan daily, said Lookman was offered to Barcelona twice since 2024, but the club preferred Dani Olmo and other options at his position, with financial issues blocking a deal.

Atlético Madrid sealed the deal recently with the 28-year-old arriving from Atalanta for 40 million euros, comprising 35 million upfront and 5 million in potential performance-based add-ons.

Lookman said he is thrilled to play in La Liga, excited for a new challenge in a different league and country after experiences in three major leagues.

He also stressed his awareness of Atlético Madrid fans' great passion for football, and that this fervor makes the club especially special and fuels his excitement as he starts this new chapter.

As transfer stories unfold, Barcelona's missed chances and Lookman's rising move remind us that football sometimes feels like a chess game: managers swap pieces while fans cheer.

Punchline: If Barça’s transfer board were a dating app, Lookman would be the guy who got unmatched twice—now he’s got a real date with Atlético.

Punchline 2: Barça’s scouting report reads, “We found a gem,” the budgetarometer sighs, “but the economy says no—optimism taxed at the checkout.”