Atletico Madrid reach €40m agreement to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta
Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Nigerian international Ademola Lookman in a deal reportedly worth around €40 million, as Diego Simeone moves to reinforce his attacking options ahead of the decisive phase of the season.
The Spanish club confirmed on Sunday that the two sides had agreed on the transfer of the 28-year-old winger, with the move now subject to a successful medical examination and the signing of a long-term contract. Lookman is already in Madrid, signalling that the transfer is nearing completion.
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A statement signing for Simeone
Lookman arrives in La Liga as one of Serie A’s most explosive wide attackers over the past two seasons. His reputation soared in 2024 when he scored a historic hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, ending the German side’s unbeaten run and delivering Atalanta their first major European trophy.
That performance elevated Lookman’s profile across Europe and cemented his status as a proven big-game player, a quality Atletico have often prioritised under Simeone.
AFCON impact and recent form
Beyond club football, Lookman has also been a key figure for Nigeria. He played a central role in the Super Eagles’ impressive run to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, contributing goals, pace, and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
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This season, Lookman has scored three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta. While those numbers may appear modest, his influence extends beyond goals, with his pressing, off-the-ball movement, and ability to stretch defences making him a consistent threat.
From London to Europe’s elite
Born in London, Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before earning a move to Everton. His early Premier League promise led to a stint in Germany with RB Leipzig, initially on loan before a permanent transfer in 2019.
However, consistent opportunities proved elusive in the Bundesliga, resulting in loan spells back in England with Fulham and Leicester City. It was his move to Atalanta in 2022 that finally unlocked his full potential, with the winger flourishing under Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking system.
Tactical fit at Atletico Madrid
Atletico’s pursuit of Lookman comes amid squad reshuffling during the winter transfer window. Giacomo Raspadori’s departure to Atalanta and Conor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham left Simeone seeking fresh attacking reinforcements.
The urgency has been heightened by Julian Alvarez’s struggles in front of goal, with the striker currently enduring an 11-match La Liga goal drought. Lookman’s versatility — capable of operating on either flank or as a second forward — offers Simeone tactical flexibility and an immediate boost in attacking dynamism.
Expectations ahead
If completed, the deal would represent one of Atletico Madrid’s most significant attacking investments of the season. Lookman’s arrival is expected to add speed, directness, and goal threat to a side still competing domestically and in Europe.
For Lookman, the move marks another step in a career that has steadily climbed after years of inconsistency, offering him the chance to test himself in La Liga under one of Europe’s most demanding coaches.
SportsLigue