Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is set to light up La Liga after agreeing a blockbuster transfer from Atalanta to Spanish heavyweights Atlético Madrid, sealing one of the standout deals of the winter window.
The 28-year-old Super Eagles star has already touched down in Madrid, where he is completing medical tests and finalising personal terms ahead of putting pen to paper on a deal that will officially welcome him into Diego Simeone’s red-and-white army.
The transfer, reportedly valued at around €40 million, underscores Atlético’s ambition. The package includes a €35 million guaranteed fee with performance-related add-ons pushing the total higher — a clear sign of how highly the club rates Lookman’s attacking pedigree.
Interest in the winger had been intense. Clubs across Europe tracked his situation closely, with approaches from Fenerbahçe and long-standing links to Inter Milan. In the end, Atlético’s sporting project — and Simeone’s personal pitch- proved decisive, convincing Lookman that Madrid was the right stage for his next act.
Lookman arrives in Spain with momentum firmly on his side. Since joining Atalanta in 2022, he evolved into one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers, combining electric pace with sharp decision-making and a fearless eye for goal.
His crowning moment came on the biggest stage of all — the 2024 UEFA Europa League final — where he delivered a sensational hat-trick to hand Atalanta their first ever European trophy. It was a performance that didn’t just win silverware but cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
On the international scene, Lookman has been equally influential, playing a key role for Nigeria’s Super Eagles at major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, where his goals and assists consistently powered the team’s attack.
For Atlético Madrid, Lookman’s arrival is more than a signing — it’s a statement. As the club battles on multiple fronts in La Liga and Europe, Simeone gains a versatile forward capable of stretching defences, breaking lines and injecting unpredictability into the final third.
His ability to operate across the frontline offers tactical flexibility, while his work rate and intensity fit perfectly with Atlético’s trademark competitive edge.
With formalities nearing completion, an official unveiling is expected in the coming days. For Lookman, it marks the beginning of a fresh chapter at one of Europe’s most demanding and storied clubs.
As one of Africa’s brightest football exports steps onto Spanish soil, all eyes will be on Madrid to see how Ademola Lookman’s speed, skill and confidence translate under the Metropolitano lights, a move that could redefine his career and elevate his standing on the global stage.
