Tottenham Hotspur declined the opportunity to sign Ademola Lookman before his move to Atletico Madrid, despite the club’s injury problems during the January transfer window, according to SunSport.
The 28-year-old winger, who joined Atletico from Atalanta on deadline day, had been offered to Spurs on multiple occasions, including last summer and again in January.
Lookman has since made an immediate impact in Spain. He has scored four goals in his first six appearances, including one in Atletico’s 4-0 Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona.
Spurs’ January recruitment explained
Tottenham’s decision not to pursue Lookman came during a period in which injuries disrupted their Premier League campaign. Nine first-team players were sidelined in January, yet the club opted against short-term additions.
Instead, Spurs signed midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico and teenage defender Souza from Santos. They were also linked with moves for Antoine Semenyo and Andy Robertson, but no deals materialised.
Director of football Johan Lange said squad registration restrictions and long-term planning influenced the club’s approach. With Tottenham competing in the Champions League knockout stages, he noted that any new signing would have required leaving an existing first-team player out of the squad list.
“It meant that in January very few players who could make a difference for us now or in the future were available,” Lange said.
He added that signing players who could not contribute immediately — or were not viewed as part of the club’s longer-term strategy — “doesn’t make sense”.
Lookman, who turns 29 in October, did not meet those criteria despite his strong form in Spain.
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Could Spurs face Lookman in Europe?
There is also the possibility Tottenham could encounter Lookman in the Champions League later this season. If Atletico progress, they could be drawn against Spurs in the last 16.
Meanwhile, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has acknowledged the need for greater investment. Writing in his programme notes last month, he said the club required a “wage structure that supports our ambition”.
Tottenham are expected to reassess their squad in the summer, with further spending anticipated — provided their Premier League status is secured.
