Atletico Madrid Reaches €40 Million Agreement to Sign Nigerian Forward Ademola Lookman
Atletico Madrid has successfully negotiated a deal with Atalanta to acquire the services of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, as officially confirmed by the Spanish club on Sunday, February 1. This significant transfer marks a strategic move to enhance Atletico's offensive capabilities ahead of upcoming competitions.
Transfer Details and Medical Examination
In a formal statement released by Atletico Madrid, the club announced that both parties have agreed on the transfer of the 28-year-old winger, who has already arrived in Madrid to complete the necessary procedures. The agreement is currently pending a standard medical examination and the finalization of contract documents, which are expected to be concluded shortly. Media outlets have reported that the transfer fee is estimated to be around €40 million, reflecting Lookman's rising value in European football.
Lookman's Career Highlights and Recent Performance
Ademola Lookman gained international recognition after delivering a stunning hat-trick in Atalanta's victory over Bayer Leverkusen during the 2024 Europa League final, a performance that cemented his reputation as a top-tier attacker. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Nigeria's impressive campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, contributing to the team's success with his skill and pace. This season, Lookman has scored three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta, demonstrating his consistent form and attacking prowess.
Background and Professional Journey
Born in London, Lookman began his professional football career at Charlton Athletic before making a high-profile move to Everton. His career trajectory included a stint at RB Leipzig, with loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City, before he secured a permanent transfer to Atalanta in 2022. This diverse experience across multiple leagues has equipped him with the versatility and tactical awareness needed to thrive in top European competitions.
Atletico's Strategic Squad Reinforcement
Atletico Madrid's head coach, Diego Simeone, has been actively seeking to strengthen the squad following recent departures, such as Giacomo Raspadori's move to Atalanta and Conor Gallagher's transfer to Tottenham. The acquisition of Lookman is anticipated to inject much-needed pace and attacking depth into the Rojiblancos, particularly as striker Julián Álvarez has faced challenges in scoring goals during the current La Liga season. This signing aligns with Atletico's broader strategy to compete effectively in both domestic and European tournaments.
