FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen blocks Ademola Lookman's arrival

At FC Barcelona, things are getting complicated in the pursuit of 2024 African Ballon d'Or winner Ademola Lookman.

After missing out on Nico Williams, Barça has set its sights on Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman. The African Ballon d'Or winner is coming off a remarkable season, netting 20 goals and providing 7 assists across Serie A and the Champions League. The Nigerian's ability to play in any attacking position makes him an enticing and versatile option for Hansi Flick.

However, according to SPORT, negotiations are hitting roadblocks between Ademola Lookman's camp and the Catalan management. The Catalan daily reports that Lookman shares the same agency as German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is currently embroiled in a dispute with Barcelona's hierarchy. The club has decided to sideline Ter Stegen in hopes of selling him this summer.

Flick has decided to go into the 2025-2026 campaign with Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczęsny between the posts. According to SPORT, this situation is unlikely to help any of the parties involved, especially as Barça is still looking to offload unwanted players before truly diving into the summer transfer window.

For the record, Atalanta has set Lookman's price tag at €50 million.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.