Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has expressed his excitement after completing his move to Atletico Madrid, declaring his readiness to embrace the challenge at the Spanish club.
The 28-year-old touched down in the Spanish capital on Sunday, ending a long and dramatic transfer saga that kept fans guessing for months.
Speaking briefly upon arrival, Lookman said, ‘I’m very happy to be here, very happy. I’m looking forward to the challenge’.
Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing on Sunday after accepting a deal worth €40 million, made up of a €35 million fixed fee and €5 million in add-ons.
The Nigeria international underwent medical tests on Monday before signing a long-term deal ahead of the transfer window closure.
Lookman’s €40 million transfer makes him the second most expensive Nigerian player in history, behind Victor Osimhen’s €78.9 million move from Lille to Napoli in 2020. He moves ahead of Alex Iwobi, who joined Everton from Arsenal for €30.4 million in 2019.
His departure from Atalanta closes a chapter that included unforgettable highs. The winger joined the Serie A club on a four-year contract in August 2022 for a reported fee of €18 million.
He scored on his debut for the club in a 2-0 Serie A win over Sampdoria and went on to establish himself as a key player.
In January 2023, Lookman scored braces in three consecutive matches – an 8-2 Serie A win over Salernitana, a 5-2 Coppa Italia win over Spezia and a 3-3 Serie A draw with Juventus.
His crowning moment came on 22 May 2024, when he scored his first career hat-trick in the Europa League final at the Dublin Arena, as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged men’s European final since Pierino Prati in 1969.
On 4 September 2024, he became the first Atalanta player to receive a nomination for the Ballon d’Or due to his performances in Nigeria’s build-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final as well as Atalanta’s Europa League triumph. He ended the year with the African Player of The Year award.
The Italian club had blocked several attempts for the winger to leave since last summer, even as Lookman made it clear he was ready for a new challenge.
Lookman’s arrival is seen as a major boost for Atletico’s attack as they look to close the gap on their La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. His pace, directness, and big-game pedigree fit neatly into Diego Simeone’s plans, offering fresh options across the frontline.
Sources say the Nigerian prioritised the Atletico project despite late interest and a more lucrative proposal from Fenerbahce, choosing sporting ambition over finances.
When he makes his debut, Lookman will make history as the first Nigerian to represent Atletico Madrid at the senior level.
