Nigeria winger, Ademola Lookman, has officially joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, sealing a long-anticipated move.
The 28-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital on Sunday to undergo medical tests before finalising the deal, and Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing on Monday, just hours before the European winter transfer window closed.
Reports indicate that Atletico agreed a fee in the region of €35 million, with a further €5 million in performance-related bonuses, bringing the total value of the transfer to around €40 million.
The move makes Lookman the second-most expensive Nigerian footballer in history, behind only Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Lookman has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Wanda Metropolitano until June 2030.
The Spanish giants are expected to rely on his pace, versatility, and attacking flair as manager Diego Simeone looks to strengthen his squad for domestic and European challenges.
The transfer brings an end to a prolonged and often tense spell at Atalanta. Lookman had been linked with several clubs in recent months, including Turkish side Fenerbahçe, while an earlier approach from Inter Milan was reportedly turned down by the Italian club. Atletico’s late push ultimately proved decisive.
During his time in Bergamo, Lookman enjoyed significant success, most notably scoring a historic hat-trick in the 2023 Europa League final to deliver Atalanta’s first major European trophy.
That performance cemented his status as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards.
Now settled in Madrid, the Super Eagles star is expected to integrate quickly into Simeone’s system as Atletico push for silverware in the second half of the season.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Lookman adapts to La Liga and whether he can replicate the form that made him one of the most sought-after players of the transfer window.
