FC Barcelona work behind the scenes in planning for the next season where there is a key position to fill: the winger.
Flick doesn't want to overuse Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, the true stars of the team. He is aware that he is using them this season more than he would like. He is looking for a winger with ambitions for the next season who can compete with the two for a spot.
Deco and Flick's Hidden Gem
Many names have been considered. Among them Neymar, but the one that truly interests hasn't appeared in the media. He is favored by Hansi Flick and also by Deco.
Ademola Lookman is 27 years old, of Nigerian origin, although he is naturalized Nigerian, and he plays for the Italian Atalanta.
He started in the Premier League, at Charlton Athletic. Then he moved to Everton, Leipzig, Leicester, and Fulham, until he signed for Atalanta, where he has been playing for three seasons.
Last season he achieved a historic hat trick in the Europa League final that pitted Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen. His three goals gave his team the first title in their history.
The Winger Barça Is Looking For
He is a fast and elusive winger, with good dribbling and finishing. He stands out for his ease of breaking through in a run and his ability to solve one-on-one situations.
Lookman has already announced his desire to leave Atalanta to start a new soccer adventure.
In Italy, Chelsea is mentioned as a possible destination for Lookman in what would be his return to the Premier League. But Barça is working behind the scenes to capture the prey.
Lookman is one of the forwards Deco presented to Flick in a shortlist for him to decide. Flick gave his blessing to his signing. Despite not facing Barça in Montjuïc in the Champions League preliminary phase.
But both Flick and Deco knew him well. They know his virtues and his ability to outplay opponents, and Flick would welcome him to Barça with open arms.
In Italy, Lookman's decision to leave Atalanta hasn't surprised anyone despite having a contract in force until 2026.
He Wants to Leave Atalanta
The origin of the problem arose when Atalanta was eliminated by Bruges from the Champions League. In the return match, Lookman missed a penalty, and coach Gian Piero Gasperini lashed out at him.
"He shouldn't have been the one to take the penalty. He is, without a doubt, one of the worst penalty takers I've seen. The players designated for it were De Ketelaere and Retegui, but Lookman made the decision on his own," Gasperini criticized him at the end of the match.
Lookman replied through a statement: "It saddens me to have to talk about this on a day like today. Especially after everything we've achieved together as a team and as a city.
Being singled out in this way is not only painful but also seems to me a great lack of respect. I have always worked with dedication to help the team and the fans of Bergamo.
Fabrizio Romano Already Sees Him Out of Bergamo
Throughout my stay here, I have faced many challenges that I never spoke about. Because I have always believed that the group must be above all. That makes what happened last night hurt even more."
He explained why he took the penalty: "The person in charge of penalties indicated to me to take it, and I assumed it as part of my commitment to the team."
Fabrizio Romano already considers Lookman out of Atalanta this summer after the player's controversy with his coach. The situation is irreconcilable, and Deco hopes to take advantage by bringing him to Camp Nou, which could be the stage for his future successes.