Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has spoken of his excitement after landing in Madrid to start a fresh stage of his football career with Atletico Madrid, effectively closing the curtain on a transfer saga that had dragged on for months.
The 28-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital on Sunday after prolonged negotiations and persistent speculation surrounding his future with Italian side Atalanta.
Atletico Madrid later confirmed the acquisition once an agreement was reached with Atalanta on a €40 million package, consisting of a €35 million fixed fee and an additional €5 million tied to performance-based bonuses.
The Serie A club had turned down multiple offers for Lookman since last summer, even as the player made it clear that he was eager for a new challenge elsewhere.
The Nigerian international is scheduled to undergo routine medical tests on Monday ahead of signing a long-term contract with the La Liga outfit. His exit brings to an end a highly successful spell in Bergamo, highlighted by his unforgettable hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, a moment that etched his name into the club’s history.
Addressing fans shortly after touching down, Lookman expressed his delight, saying, “I’m very, very happy to be here. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
His arrival has already generated buzz among Atletico supporters, many of whom are keen to see how quickly he adjusts to Spanish football and begins delivering on the pitch. For Lookman, the switch to Madrid signals another major milestone in his journey and an opportunity to prove himself once again at the top level of European football.
Focus will now shift to how rapidly he settles into his new environment and turns his enthusiasm into tangible performances for his new club.
What you should know
Ademola Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid ends months of uncertainty over his future and rewards his impressive performances at Atalanta, where he became a fan favourite.
The €40 million transfer underlines Atletico’s belief in his quality and potential impact in La Liga. For Nigeria, the deal places one of the Super Eagles’ key attackers in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, raising expectations ahead of future international tournaments.
How quickly Lookman adapts to Diego Simeone’s system will be crucial to determining the success of this high-profile transfer.
