The anticipated transfer of Marcus Rashford to FC Barcelona has hit another roadblock, making the prospect of a move for Nigerian star Ademola Lookman more likely than ever. While Rashford’s dream of donning the famous Blaugrana colours is slipping away due to multiple stalled negotiations, burgeoning interest in Lookman has taken centre stage at Camp Nou.
After a challenging period at Manchester United, including a loan stint at Aston Villa, Rashford had set his sights on Barcelona in pursuit of a fresh start. Initial hopes were buoyed by Barcelona’s search for attacking quality following unsuccessful pursuits of Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. However, Rashford’s move remains locked in uncertainty, with financial and sporting priorities shifting at the Catalan club. Recent reports suggest that head coach Hansi Flick has begun to favour other attacking options, with Lookman’s profile growing increasingly attractive to the Spanish giants.
Is Ademola Lookman Barca’s Next Target?
The season that Ademola Lookman just concluded with Atalanta has been nothing short of outstanding. The 27-year-old Nigerian winger finished the 2024/25 campaign with 20 goals and 7 assists in 40 games. Emerging as one of Europe’s most productive attackers.
Even in Serie A alone, his 15 goals and 5 assists in 31 matches placed him among the elite performers. Boasting a goal involvement of 0.8 per 90 minutes, a stat that puts him in the league’s 99th percentile. Lookman’s blend of pace, directness, and ability to operate across multiple attacking positions makes him a dynamic threat.
Why is Lookman a Better Fit?
Lookman’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed by Barcelona’s technical staff. His verticality, work rate, and ability to create and finish chances make him stand out. He boasts a shot accuracy of 54%, with a goal every 4.17 shots, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal. In contrast, Rashford’s form has been inconsistent, and he is not as adaptable to the tactical demands of Hansi Flick.
There is also a sense of mutual appetite. Lookman is reportedly enthusiastic about joining Barcelona, having already expressed his interest through informal channels. With Atalanta reportedly open to negotiations around a €30–40 million fee, the path now seems clearer.
Barcelona’s focus appears to be shifting decisively toward Lookman, who would become the first Nigerian to seal a top-profile move to Camp Nou in decades. For Nigerian fans, the prospect of seeing Lookman in a Barcelona shirt not only signals recognition for African football but also affirms his growing global reputation.