Former Real Madrid Star Praises Lookman's Bold Transfer to Atletico Madrid
A former Real Madrid star has sent a supportive message to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman after the completion of his permanent move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. The transfer was finalized on Monday, February 2, marking a significant career shift for the Nigerian international.
Lookman's Successful Stint at Atalanta
Ademola Lookman leaves Italian club Atalanta after a highly productive three-and-a-half-year period where he made a substantial impact. During his time with the Serie A side, the 28-year-old forward played a crucial role in helping Atalanta secure the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League title. Lookman etched his name into football history by scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final match of that European competition.
The winger's departure from Atalanta followed reported disagreements with the club's management during the transfer window regarding his desire to seek new challenges. After considerable discussions, Atalanta's hierarchy eventually approved the transfer, despite previous tensions with former coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Choosing Spain Over Turkey
Lookman made a strategic career decision by rejecting an opportunity to join fellow Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen at Turkish club Fenerbahce. Instead, he opted to move to the Spanish capital, ensuring he continues to compete at the highest level of European football. Atletico Madrid officially confirmed in a statement that they have secured Lookman's services until June 2030, following successful completion of his medical examinations.
Adepoju's Confident Prediction for Lookman's Success
Super Eagles legend Mutiu Adepoju, who previously played for Real Madrid, has expressed strong confidence that Ademola Lookman will excel in Spanish La Liga with his new club Atletico Madrid. The former midfielder emphasized that the 2024 CAF Player of the Year has joined one of Europe's most prestigious clubs at the perfect moment in his career.
Adepoju stated: "In my opinion, Ademola Lookman leaving Atalanta for Atletico Madrid is a very bold move and I really love it. I think he's going to a club where he is going to show quality and everything. Atletico Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in Spain and everybody knows the history of Ademola Lookman when he was with Atalanta."
The former Racing Santander player further elaborated that Lookman represents an excellent addition to Diego Simeone's squad and predicted a successful adaptation period. "Lookman is a very good addition to the team and I think Lookman is going to have a great year at Atletico Madrid and in La Liga," Adepoju added.
Simeone's Role in Lookman's Development
Adepoju highlighted that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone possesses the tactical expertise and motivational skills to maximize Lookman's potential. The former Real Madrid star believes the Nigerian forward deserves professional happiness and that his career trajectory stands to benefit significantly from this Spanish transition.
Adepoju explained: "I am very sure he is going to have a lot of support from Diego Simeone and I really love the big move. I wish him all the best with his new club because I know he is great guy and deserves to be happy. I am very sure he is going to be happy because he is a great guy and a great footballer too."
Nigerian Presence in Spanish Football
With Lookman's transfer completed, the number of Super Eagles stars currently playing in Spain's top division has increased. Sevilla now hosts two Nigerian internationals, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, both of whom represented Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, striker Sadiq Umar continues his career at Valencia, creating a growing Nigerian contingent within La Liga.
This movement represents a positive trend for Nigerian footballers seeking competitive opportunities in Europe's elite leagues. Lookman's transfer to Atletico Madrid particularly stands out as a high-profile move that could inspire other African players to aim for top European clubs during their prime years.
