Super Eagles' Lookman, Onyeka set for high-profile deadline day transfer moves

by Devesh Jaganath

image Super Eagles' Lookman, Onyeka set for high-profile deadline day transfer moves
The January transfer window will slam shut this evening, but there are several big signings that are expected to be made before the 19:00 GMT deadline. In the midst of what should be a busy day, two Super Eagles players who could be moving to a new home are Ademola Lookman and Frank Onyeka.

Ademola Lookman to undergo Atletico Madrid medical

Ademola Lookman has been at the centre of plenty of transfer speculation since the start of this season, and it seems all but certain that he has now found a new home in Spain, with Atletico Madrid on the verge of announcing his arrival. 

It is reported that Los Colchoneros have agreed a deal in the region of €35m to sign the Nigerian midfielder from Atalanta, and the 28-year-old is expected to undergo his medical at the La Liga club’s base today before the move is finalised.

Since returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman has been heavily linked with a move to Fenerbahce, but it is understood that Diego Simeone’s side has offered the midfielder a superior salary package, which swayed his decision. 

The Super Eagles star began his career in England with Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton. After signing for RB Leipzig in 2019, he spent loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City before heading to Bergamo for €10m at the start of the 2022-23 season. 

Lookman made history for La Dea by scoring a hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final en route to the title and being named African Player of the Year. He has scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists in 137 appearances for the Serie A side. 

 

Coventry City lead race to sign Frank Onyeka from Brentford

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In addition to Lookman, another Super Eagles midfielder that could be set for a change of scenery for the rest of the season is Frank Onyeka, who is reportedly close to securing a move to EFL Championship side Coventry City. 

The Bees opted to put Onyeka on the market after he expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of game time he has received at the Gtech Community Stadium in recent times. Sheffield United and Birmingham City are also believed to have enquired about his availability.

As it stands, there is uncertainty around whether Frank Lampard’s side are offering a transfer fee or negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season. Brentford are likely to prefer the former option, as it could help them make a late signing today as well. 

Onyeka has not started a Premier League match for the Bees this season, but has featured regularly for the team in the EFL Cup. He spent last season on loan at Augsburg, where he played 34 games and notched up two assists.