Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona

Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has suffered a fresh setback at Atletico Madrid after head coach Diego Simeone left him on the bench throughout the club’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, raising questions about his position in the Argentine manager’s plans.

The Nigerian international was an unused substitute in Sunday’s La Liga encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, despite Atletico trailing and needing attacking inspiration to rescue the match.

The decision attracted attention because Simeone had another substitution available but opted against introducing Lookman, who had featured in every competitive match played by Atletico before the Barcelona encounter this season.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Simeone made only four substitutions during the match, leaving the Nigerian forward among the unused players even as his team searched for an equaliser.

Atletico had taken an early lead through Giuliano Simeone in the 10th minute, but Barcelona responded with goals from Fermín López shortly before half-time and again in the 66th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.

Simeone introduced Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Jonathan David at different stages of the encounter but did not turn to Lookman.

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The omission was particularly striking given the Nigerian’s ability to create chances through his pace, dribbling and attacking runs, qualities Atletico needed while chasing the game.

It also came barely a week after Simeone publicly defended the 28-year-old amid concerns over his declining form.

The Atletico manager had urged Lookman not to become frustrated by his difficult spell, insisting that hard work and belief would help him rediscover his best performance.

“I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment. This is work, this is believing in what you do,” Simeone said.

The Argentine also emphasised that the coaching staff recognised Lookman’s importance to the team and remained confident in his ability.

“We believe, as we see him in training, in the importance he has for us. He’s one of the players who has the most one-on-one duels in the final third. I have a lot of confidence in him,” he added.

However, leaving the forward unused against Barcelona has raised questions about whether the coach’s public backing is translating into opportunities on the pitch.

Lookman’s current statistics also underline the challenges he has faced since the beginning of the campaign.

According to reports from Spain, he has accumulated 737 minutes across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring twice and providing one assist.

His present return contrasts with the impact he made after arriving from Atalanta during the January transfer window last season, when he scored 10 goals in his first months at the Spanish club.

Spanish football publication Mundo Deportivo also reported that fellow attacker Álex Baena has moved ahead of Lookman in Simeone’s preferences for the left-sided attacking position.

Despite the concerns, reports from Spain indicate that Atletico Madrid have not abandoned their confidence in the Nigerian.

Marca reported that the coaching staff and players remain united in their determination to help Lookman rediscover his best form, regain his confidence and improve his morale.

The development suggests that his omission against Barcelona may reflect his current form and tactical considerations rather than a complete breakdown in his relationship with the manager.

Lookman has now returned to Nigeria for international duty, where he is expected to join the Super Eagles for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The first leg is scheduled for November 13 in Uyo, while the return fixture will take place on November 17.

The international assignment offers the Nigerian forward an opportunity to regain his confidence and playing rhythm before returning to Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season.

Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona