Atlético de Madrid have completed the signing of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in a €35 million deal, finalised just one day before the close of the winter transfer window.
The 28-year-old arrived in Madrid on Sunday to undergo medical checks and is expected to sign a long-term contract before joining training under head coach Diego Simeone.
A pursuit that began last summer
Atlético’s move ends a transfer saga that stretches back to the previous summer window, when the Spanish side identified Lookman as a priority attacking reinforcement. Negotiations stalled at the time, but renewed talks this winter—facilitated by the strong working relationship between Atlético and Atalanta—proved decisive.
The deal could rise to €40 million with performance-related bonuses, with around €2 million described as easily achievable.
Why Atleti moved now
The Madrid club have endured an inconsistent spell marked by injuries and a drop in attacking sharpness. Lookman’s arrival is seen internally as a response to that dip, offering pace, dribbling, and goal threat from wide areas—qualities Atlético have lacked in recent weeks.
Sporting director Mateu Alemany, overseeing his first incoming signing at the club, prioritised a player capable of contributing immediately rather than a long-term project.
From Bergamo frustration to Madrid opportunity
Lookman’s final months at Atalanta were shaped by frustration after a summer move failed to materialise. His Serie A output dipped—two goals and no assists in 12 league appearances—but his form on the international stage told a different story.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman was one of the standout performers, scoring three goals and providing four assists as Nigeria finished third. He was later named African Footballer of the Year, reinforcing his status as one of the continent’s elite attackers.
A proven big-game performer
Over the last three seasons in Italy, Lookman established himself among Serie A’s most decisive forwards, registering at least 18 goal contributions in three consecutive campaigns.
His reputation was cemented in the UEFA Europa League final in 2024, where he scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, delivering Atalanta their first major European trophy.
How Lookman fits Simeone’s system
Tactically, Lookman offers flexibility. He can operate from the left wing, drift inside as a second striker in a 4-4-2, or slot into a front three if Simeone opts for a more expansive setup.
His two-footedness, ability to beat defenders in tight spaces, and willingness to press align with Simeone’s demands. Atlético believe his chemistry with attackers like Julián Álvarez could be pivotal in the second half of the season.
What this signing signals
Beyond the immediate impact, the transfer signals Atlético’s intent to refresh an ageing attack while remaining competitive domestically and in Europe. For Lookman, the move represents a return to a top-five league spotlight and a chance to test himself under one of Europe’s most demanding coaches.
What comes next
Lookman is expected to be available for selection as early as Thursday, with a potential debut looming in a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash. Atlético fans will be watching closely to see if their long-awaited target can deliver instantly.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.