Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was once close to sealing a move to Bayern Munich before financial constraints ultimately scuppered the transfer.
Lookman has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic wingers in recent seasons, enjoying spells across several clubs before eventually sealing a move to Atlético Madrid.
However, the Super Eagles star could easily have been lining up in the Bundesliga instead.
According to reports from German journalists Christian Falk and Julian Agardi, Bayern had already reached an agreement with Lookman and his representatives over a potential transfer from Atalanta BC.
The Nigerian winger was reportedly keen on the move and ready to join the Bavarian giants.
His representatives at ROOF agency, which also manages players like Konrad Laimer, Serge Gnabry, and Leon Goretzka, were also on board with the deal.
Despite the progress made with the player, negotiations collapsed due to differences between Bayern and Atalanta over the structure of the deal.
The German champions proposed a loan deal with an option to buy worth around €28 million, but Atalanta were not convinced.
The Serie A side preferred a permanent transfer, believing Lookman’s value was significantly higher.
That stance proved decisive in the end. While Bayern struggled to reach an agreement with Atalanta, Atlético Madrid stepped in with a more attractive offer.
The Spanish giants eventually secured Lookman’s signature in a permanent deal worth around €35 million, bringing an end to Bayern’s hopes of signing the Nigerian attacker.
Another factor that complicated negotiations was Bayern’s internal transfer policy at the time.
Board member for sport, Max Eberl, had limited resources available and was largely instructed to pursue loan deals rather than permanent transfers during that particular window.
With Atalanta unwilling to compromise on a permanent sale, Bayern were left with little room to manoeuvre.
In the end, what could have been a blockbuster Bundesliga move for Lookman never materialised — paving the way for his switch to Atlético Madrid instead.
