Atlético de Madrid have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta, finalising a high-profile deal that marks the club’s first incoming transfer under sporting director Mateu Alemany.
Ademola Lookman arrived in Madrid on Sunday to complete his medical before formally signing a long-term contract that seals the €35 million move. The Nigerian forward is set to begin training under Diego Simeone immediately and is expected to make his debut on Thursday in a high-stakes Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis.
Lookman, 28, is a versatile winger who is dominant with his right foot but can equally cause problems with his left foot.
The Nigerian is capable of playing both as a second striker and as a winger on either flank, either cutting inside or staying on his natural side, where he makes the most of his pace and dribbling ability.
His arrival at Atletico Madrid will boost Diego Simeone’s side as they look to end the season with silverware.
The frustration of not getting his move last summer played itself out on the pitch in Bergamo. Where Lookman has scored only two goals and provided zero assists over 12 appearances (795 minutes) in Serie A this season, though he was absolutely stellar at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year scored three goals and provided four assists in six games as Nigeria edged out Egypt to finish third.
