Ademola Lookman is now an Atlético de Madrid player. The 28-year-old Nigerian striker leaves Atalanta to join La Liga after several impressive seasons in Italy, during which he scored 37 goals over the last two campaigns in all competitions (2023-2024 and 2024-2025). Author of three goals and two assists this season, Lookman arrives in Madrid to strengthen the attack of the Colchoneros, which is suffering from the injury of Antoine Griezmann and summer recruits still breaking in, such as Nico González, Thiago Almada and Álex Baena.
Courted by several clubs this winter, and in particular by Fenerbahçe, Lookman finally chose Spain to continue his career. His transfer, concluded for more than 40 million euros including bonus, puts an end to a complicated relationship with Atalanta, marked by several failed departure attempts and a standoff with the Bergamo management. The striker had already expressed his desire to leave the club last summer, notably after a rejected offer from Inter, but had agreed to stay in Italy until this winter transfer window.
An important recruit for Diego Simeone
Lookman also shone recently during CAN 2025, compiling three goals and four assists in six matches, confirming his ability to make a difference on the international scene. His arrival in Madrid therefore responds to an urgent need for Diego Simeone, who wanted to recruit an offensive player capable of bringing speed, percussion and finishing, while completing an already solid squad, but still room for improvement. The Nigerian would notably be aligned on the left lane, in the 4-4-2 system of “El Cholo”.
This Monday, the deal was made official by the Madrid club: “our club and Atalanta have reached an agreement for the transfer of the Nigerian footballer, who will wear the red and white for the remainder of the current season and the next four“. For Atlético de Madrid, it’s a great operation: a player on the rise, used to pressure and major competitions, who can immediately claim an important role in La Liga and the Champions League. With Lookman, the Colchoneros strengthen their attack and give themselves a real chance of remaining competitive until the end in the race for first places, despite the long lead of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
