Atletico Madrid has completed the signing of Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in a deal worth a reported €40 million. The 28-year-old attacker signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Monday, keeping him with the Spanish giants until June 30, 2030.
The transfer, finalised just hours before the winter window closed, consists of a €35 million fixed fee with an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons. Lookman becomes the first Nigerian player to join the Atlético Madrid first team and now stands as the second-most expensive Nigerian footballer in history, trailing only Victor Osimhen.
Atletico Madrid moved decisively to secure the Europa League hero following the departure of Giacomo Raspadori to Atalanta and Conor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham earlier in the window. Coach Diego Simeone had reportedly identified Lookman as a priority to revitalise an attack currently hampered by a goal drought from striker Julian Alvarez.
"Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta have agreed on the transfer of Ademola Lookman, who has signed for us until 30 June 2030," the club confirmed in an official statement. The club described their new acquisition as a "versatile and dynamic" player capable of operating as a second striker or on either wing.
Lookman’s move brings an end to a storied three-and-a-half-year chapter in Italy. He famously scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever major continental trophy. His departure follows a period of friction with the Bergamo-based club after a failed move to Inter Milan last summer and recent interest from Turkish club Fenerbahçe.
The forward posted an emotional farewell to Atalanta supporters on social media shortly after the announcement. "Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget," Lookman wrote. "Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I'll carry forever."
Born in London, Lookman has now achieved the rare feat of playing in all four of Europe’s top-ranked leagues: the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga. His professional journey began at Charlton Athletic before taking him through Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City.
Lookman arrives in Madrid having scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists during his 137 appearances for Atalanta.
The Nigerian star could make his debut as early as Thursday, February 5, when Atletico Madrid travels to face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Simeone will look to integrate Lookman quickly as the club prepares for a demanding February schedule that includes crucial La Liga fixtures and a Champions League knockout tie against Club Brugge.