Ademola Lookman Completes High-Profile Move to Atletico Madrid
In a significant transfer development, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has officially joined Atletico Madrid, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2030. The 28-year-old Nigerian attacker arrives with high expectations, poised to make his mark in La Liga alongside established stars like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.
Strategic Signing by Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid moved decisively to secure Lookman's services, matching Atalanta's valuation of €40 million to fend off competition from Turkish giants and other European clubs. This acquisition signals the club's clear intent to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions, adding star power to their squad as they chase Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race, currently sitting nine points off the top.
The Nigerian forward is expected to make his debut in Atletico's midweek Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis. According to reports from BBC Sports, Lookman chose Atletico Madrid's sporting project over a more lucrative financial offer from Fenerbahce, demonstrating his commitment to competing at the highest level.
Lookman's Impressive Pedigree and Versatility
Ademola Lookman brings a strong pedigree to La Liga, having established himself as one of Africa's standout players over the past three seasons. His versatility is one of his greatest assets, as he is comfortable playing on either wing or through the middle, offering pace, directness, and clinical finishing that Atletico have sometimes lacked in tight games.
During his time at Atalanta since 2022, Lookman registered 55 goals and 27 assists in all competitions. His career highlights include a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, which delivered Atalanta's first-ever European trophy. In 2024, he was crowned African Footballer of the Year and finished 14th in the Ballon d'Or rankings, making him the only African player shortlisted.
Why Lookman Can Rival La Liga's Elite
Before Lookman's arrival, La Liga's spotlight largely belonged to Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Mbappe has delivered 21 league goals and nine assists for Real Madrid this season, while Yamal has recorded nine goals and nine assists for Barcelona. Their performances have driven their clubs' title pushes and captured global attention.
Lookman now enters that conversation with a different but equally compelling profile. Unlike Yamal, who is still emerging, and Mbappe, who arrived as a global icon, Lookman comes in at the peak of his powers. His big-game experience and proven goal output suggest the Super Eagles attacker could quickly become one of La Liga's most influential forwards.
Recent Achievements and International Success
More recently, Lookman helped Nigeria secure bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing three goals and four assists and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament. These achievements demonstrate that Lookman arrives in Spain not as a gamble, but as a proven performer ready to make an immediate impact.
Following his transfer, Lookman sent a heartfelt farewell message to Atalanta fans via his social media, expressing gratitude to the supporters in Bergamo who embraced him despite the ups and downs during his tenure with the Italian club.
Atletico Madrid fans can look forward to seeing Lookman potentially become the club's attacking focal point, capable of deciding matches with moments of brilliance as he adapts to Spanish football. His arrival adds an exciting new dimension to La Liga's competitive landscape, promising thrilling performances in the seasons ahead.
