Madrid target Lookman as potential Vinicius replacement

Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid has entered the race to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who is currently excelling at Atalanta.

The UEFA Champions League titleholders view Lookman as a strong candidate to bolster their frontline, potentially filling the role of Vinicius Junior, News360 Nigeria reports.

Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35 million plus bonuses, has made an impressive impact.

In his 90 appearances for the Italian club, he has scored 39 goals and delivered 23 assists, catching the attention of top European teams.

Notably, Lookman was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in August, with Sports Zone reporting that he had reached personal terms with the French champions.

The 27-year-old forward was a standout performer last season, contributing 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 matches.

His most memorable performance came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a sensational hat-trick to secure the title for Atalanta.

Lookman has maintained his momentum this season, already amassing seven goals and five assists in just 12 games.

Real Madrid’s interest signals their intent to bring his scoring prowess to Santiago Bernabeu as they continue to build a dynamic attack.

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.

Madrid are preparing for a possible departure of their star forward Vinicius, with Al-Hilal reportedly preparing a record-breaking €300m bid for the Brazilian, whose transfer fee could eclipse Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes vía El Futbolero, the Saudi Pro League club are eyeing Vinicius as a marquee addition and potential replacement for Neymar, who could leave Al-Hilal by season’s end.

The Los Blancos have turned their attention to Lookman as a strong candidate to fill the void should the deal for the Brazilian go through.

“Faced with uncertainty over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal, the Merengues have set their sights on a promising Serie A talent. Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta, has emerged as 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.