José Peseiro believes Ademola Lookman has the profile and backing to remain a regular starter at Atlético Madrid following the winger’s early involvement after joining the club, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Nigeria head coach has continued to follow Lookman’s progress closely since his move from Atalanta and points to the early decisions around his use as a sign of trust.
Atlético completed Lookman’s signing from the Serie A side in the first week of February, handing the 28-year-old a contract that runs until June 2030. The Spanish club added him to Diego Simeone’s squad, with the forward registered in time to feature immediately in domestic competitions.
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Peseiro’s view is influenced by his time working with the player at international level. He brought Lookman into the Super Eagles set up in mid-2022, after the London-born forward committed to Nigeria following youth spells with England.
Reflecting on his start in Madrid, in a report by Marca, Peseiro said: “Playing like this just three days after arriving can only be explained by his quality.” He added that “by giving him freedom and accepting his audacity and creativity, Lookman has the potential to have great seasons and make his mark at Atlético.”
The Portuguese coach also placed the move within a longer career line. “For him it is a challenge, a very important point in his career because now he has achieved the goal he always had of reaching one of the best clubs in Europe,” the Portuguese said, adding that it allows him to “continue to show England that they made a mistake with him.”
Lookman’s record supports the context around the transfer. He scored a hattrick in the 2024 Europa League final as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen to win the club’s first European title. He followed that campaign with a productive Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria, where, as Peseiro noted, “Osimhen was the star, but he has not been far behind… now they both are.”
Peseiro also addressed earlier reports from Italy that questioned Lookman’s conduct during his final months at Atalanta.
“No, no, no, he is very easy to work with, you just have to let him be free,” he said, rejecting claims linked to his exit from Bergamo.
