Serie A club Roma eye Lookman as Endrick backup

Roma, the Serie A club, have identified Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman as a potential January signing, after the 29‑year‑old has managed two goals and one assist in 15 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side this season. Lookman attracts interest after being an unused substitute in Atletico Madrid’s 2‑1 home defeat to Barcelona last weekend, underscoring his limited role.

Why Roma are looking beyond Endrick

Roma’s sporting director Tony D'Amico has placed Lookman on his list for the winter market, although the primary target remains Brazilian forward Endrick.

The club view the Nigerian winger as an alternative rather than a priority, providing depth should Endrick be unavailable.

Lookman’s recent form at the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid has been below his Atalanta standards, as he has struggled to replicate his earlier performances.

La Repubblica Roma’s management are weighing the move ahead of the January window.

Negotiations, contract and conditions

Initial talks with Lookman’s representatives are slated for the first weeks of December 2026, allowing Roma to gauge his situation before a formal approach in January.

A reunion with former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini could tip the balance, given their successful partnership at the Bergamo club.

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Under Gasperini at Atalanta, Lookman scored 55 goals in 137 matches, including three in the 2024 Europa League final.

He signed for Atletico Madrid last January on a deal running to 2030, reportedly for around 30 million pounds plus variables.

His goal ratio has fallen to one every 7.5 games this season, compared with one every 2.5 games under Gasperini at Atalanta.

Diego Simeone now favours Alex Baena, leaving Lookman on the bench against Barcelona and out of the starting eleven.

Lookman has not lodged any transfer request, meaning any move depends on Atletico finding a suitable replacement.

Atletico have indicated they will only permit either Lookman or Alexander Sorloth to depart, and only after securing a new attacker.

The club does not intend to sell both forwards in the same market.

If playing time remains scarce, Lookman says he will reassess his options in January.

Atletico’s priority is to sign a substitute and resolve Sorloth’s future before entertaining any talks about the Nigerian.