Official: Atletico Madrid Complete Ademola Lookman Signing

According to Ireporter Online, Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta in a deal valued at £30.3 million, boosting the club’s attacking depth as the season approaches its decisive phase.

The 28-year-old attacker arrives in Spain following a remarkable spell in Serie A, where he enjoyed the most productive period of his career. Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman registered an impressive 55 goals and 27 assists, establishing himself as one of the league’s most decisive forwards.

Lookman etched his name into Atalanta’s history books in 2024 after producing a sensational hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a performance that secured the club’s first-ever European title. His outstanding displays that year were further recognised when he won the African Footballer of the Year award and emerged as the only African player shortlisted for the men’s Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th overall.

Although born in London and capped by England at youth level, including being part of the Under-20 World Cup-winning squad in 2017, Lookman later pledged his international future to Nigeria and made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2022.

Atletico Madrid, who currently sit third in La Liga and trail leaders Barcelona by ten points, confirmed on Monday that an agreement had been reached with Atalanta. The Spanish club later announced that Lookman has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at the Metropolitano until June 2030, with the transfer completed on deadline day.

Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic, making his first-team debut in 2015 before earning a move to Everton in 2017, where he scored on his Premier League debut. A permanent switch to RB Leipzig followed in 2019 after a successful loan spell, with further temporary moves to Fulham and Leicester City preceding his career-defining transfer to Atalanta.

As he bids farewell to Bergamo, Lookman paid tribute to the club and its supporters in an emotional message, expressing gratitude for the warmth he received, the historic achievements they shared, and the unforgettable memories created during his time in Italy.