While Ademola Lookman expresses his excitement after completing his move to Atletico Madrid, he also looks forward to a new challenge.
New Daily Prime reports that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has officially completed his transfer from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid.
Speaking briefly upon arrival in Madrid, Lookman said: “I’m very happy to be here, very happy. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
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The Nigeria international is viewed as a major addition to Diego Simeone’s attacking options as Atletico look to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona.Lookman’s pace, directness and proven big-game pedigree are expected to add a new dimension across the frontline.
The €40 million deal makes Lookman the second most expensive Nigerian footballer in history, behind Victor Osimhen’s €78.9m move from Lille to Napoli in 2020. He also surpasses Alex Iwobi’s €30.4m transfer from Arsenal to Everton in 2019.
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His defining moment came on May 22, 2024, when he scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in Dublin to secure the first major European trophy in the club’s history.
The performance made him the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged men’s European final since Pierino Prati in 1969.
On September 4, 2024, Lookman became the first Atalanta player to earn a Ballon d’Or nomination, following his Europa League heroics and his key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. He later capped the year by winning the African Player of the Year award.
Atalanta had resisted multiple attempts to sell the winger since last summer, despite Lookman making it clear he was ready for a new challenge. Sources say the Nigerian prioritised Atletico Madrid’s sporting project over a more lucrative late offer from Fenerbahce.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has made over 120 appearances, registering around 55 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, cementing his status as a reliable match-winner.
On the international stage, he was outstanding for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, finishing with three goals and four assists. He played a central role in the Super Eagles’ third-place finish, converting his penalty in the playoff shootout and earning individual recognition for his performances.
After 22 league matches, Atletico Madrid sit third in La Liga with 45 points, recording 13 wins, six draws and three defeats and they will now look to Lookman to help drive their title push.
