Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Ademola Lookman before the Nigerian forward completed his move to Atlético Madrid, The Sun reports. 

Lookman was made available to Spurs during the winter transfer window as the club searched for attacking reinforcements amid a severe injury crisis and a difficult league campaign. 

At the time, the North London side were struggling near the bottom half of the table and facing growing concerns over a potential relegation battle.

Despite their precarious position, Tottenham opted against signing the former Atalanta winger, marking the second time the club has passed on the opportunity to bring him back to the Premier League. 

Spurs had earlier declined a move for the Nigerian International last summer after his proposed transfer to Inter Milan collapsed.

Instead, Tottenham prioritised other additions, securing the signing of midfielder Conor Gallagher in a deal worth around £35 million from Atlético Madrid, along with teenage Brazilian full-back Souza from Santos in January.

Following Spurs’ decision, Lookman completed a move to Atlético Madrid for a fee reported to be around £30 million. 

Since arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano, the 28-year-old has made an immediate impact, registering four goals and three assists in his first seven appearances across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s struggles have continued. The club are still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026 and currently sit 16th in the table with 29 points, just four points above the relegation zone.

Adeyemi Adewale