Atletico Madrid are understood to have expressed concern over the use of forward Ademola Lookman during the recent international break, with the Spanish club reportedly unhappy about the extent of his involvement for the Nigeria national football team.
The winger, who joined the La Liga side for €35 million following an impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has been managed cautiously since arriving in Spain. Under head coach Diego Simeone, Lookman has yet to complete a full match, with his longest appearance lasting 73 minutes in a Copa del Rey victory over FC Barcelona.
However, his workload increased significantly during the March international window. Lookman played 89 minutes in a friendly against Iran before completing the full 90 minutes in another match against Jordan. The fixtures, both non-competitive, have prompted concern within Atletico’s coaching staff.
Spanish media reports suggest the club believes the level of involvement was excessive, particularly given the nature of the matches. There is a growing view within Atletico that the fixtures presented an opportunity for squad rotation, which could have helped better manage player fitness.
The concerns are said to centre on the potential impact such extended playing time could have on Lookman’s condition at a crucial stage of the club season. Atletico are currently navigating a demanding schedule, with multiple high-profile fixtures on the horizon.
The issue is further compounded by injury problems within the squad, which have left several key players unavailable. This situation has increased the reliance on available personnel and added pressure on Simeone as he prepares his side for a series of important matches.
Among the upcoming fixtures are further encounters with FC Barcelona, as well as games against Sevilla FC, Real Sociedad, Elche CF, and Athletic Club. The congested run has heightened fears over fatigue and squad depth.
Atletico’s handling of Lookman since his arrival indicates a deliberate approach to managing his fitness, making the international usage a point of frustration for the club. While no formal complaint has been made public, reports indicate dissatisfaction behind the scenes.
As the season enters a final phase, Atletico Madrid will be hoping that their key players, including Lookman, remain fit and available. The coming weeks are expected to test both the squad’s resilience and Simeone’s ability to manage resources effectively amid increasing physical demands.
