Lookman attracts Roma, Fenerbahçe interests

Concern is mounting over Ademola Lookman’s diminished role at Atlético Madrid following Diego Simeone's decision to keep the Nigerian forward on the bench during their 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona. The move has raised questions about the coach's relationship with Lookman, who was signed less than a year ago with the expectation of being a crucial attacking force.

Despite Atlético's need for width and creativity in the match, Simeone made only four of his five permitted substitutions, leaving Lookman out entirely. This is the first time all season that Lookman has gone an entire 90 minutes without playing. Since joining the team in January 2026, Lookman had appeared in 42 matches, having been omitted only twice before, both times for rotation before Champions League ties.

Recent reports indicate that Lookman is now the tenth most frequently used player in Simeone's squad, a notable decline for a forward who had been instrumental in Atlético's successful Copa del Rey and Champions League campaigns last season. The recent dip in Lookman's playing time has been attributed to the rise of Álex Baena, who has claimed a more prominent position in the attack.

While some fans have voiced their support for Lookman, others have expressed their disappointment towards Simeone, with social media commenters criticizing the coach's decision-making.