Atletico Madrid have officially unveiled Ademola Lookman as their latest signing, completing a high-profile €40 million transfer from Atalanta on the final day of the January window. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward, fresh from a stellar spell in Serie A, arrived in Madrid earlier this week, underwent his medical, and put pen to paper on a long-term deal running until June 2030.
Lookman, who touched down in the Spanish capital amid intense speculation, expressed his delight at the move. “I’m very happy to be here,” he said upon arrival. “I’m looking forward to it.” The versatile attacker, capable of operating as a second striker or on either wing, passed his medical checks at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre before being greeted by Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano offices, where he signed his contract and posed in the famous red-and-white stripes for the first time.
The transfer marks a significant statement of intent from Diego Simeone’s side, who currently sit third in La Liga and are keen to bolster their attacking options.
Atalanta confirmed the permanent move, thanking Lookman for his contributions over three-and-a-half seasons in Bergamo. “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” the Italian club stated.
Lookman responded with an emotional farewell on social media, writing: “To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Together, we made history.”
Indeed, Lookman’s time at Atalanta was transformative. Since joining in the summer of 2022, he made 137 appearances, scoring 55 goals and providing 27 assists. His crowning moment came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing the club’s first-ever European trophy. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman began his career at Charlton Athletic, making his senior debut in 2015 before spells at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City. He switched international allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, earning 41 caps and scoring 11 goals for the Super Eagles.
Atletico’s announcement highlighted his dynamism and versatility: “A versatile and dynamic right-footed player… he is capable of playing both as a second striker and as a winger on either flank, making the most of his pace and dribbling ability.” The deal edges out interest from Fenerbahce and follows a busy window for both clubs, including Atalanta’s earlier acquisition of Giacomo Raspadori from Madrid.
Lookman’s arrival adds firepower and creativity to Simeone’s squad as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. With his medical completed and contract signed, the former Atalanta star is now set to make his eagerly anticipated debut in Atletico colors. Welcome to Madrid, Ademola.
