Atletico Madrid have officially confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Atalanta for the signing of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the highly rated winger.
The Spanish club announced that the 28-year-old has already arrived in Madrid, where he is undergoing medical examinations ahead of the formal completion of the transfer.
The deal represents a significant investment by the La Liga giants, with Atalanta set to receive a guaranteed transfer fee of €35 million, while performance-related bonuses could push the total value of the agreement to €40 million.
Lookman is expected to sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with Atletico Madrid, earning wages reported to be in the region of €7 million per season, reflecting his growing status as one of Europe’s most effective wide attackers.
In a statement released by Atletico Madrid, the club confirmed that all major terms have been agreed between the two sides, with only the completion of the medical assessment and the formalisation of contractual documents remaining.
The statement noted that the Nigeria international was already in the Spanish capital, signalling that the transfer is in its final stages and imminent.
Lookman joins Atletico Madrid after an impressive and productive spell with Atalanta, whom he joined from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2024.
During his time in Bergamo, the winger established himself as one of Serie A’s most decisive attacking players, combining pace, technical ability and composure in front of goal. His impact was immediate and sustained, making him a key figure in Atalanta’s domestic and European campaigns.
One of the defining moments of Lookman’s career came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he delivered a memorable hat-trick to inspire Atalanta to victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
That performance not only secured the club’s first major European trophy but also elevated Lookman’s profile across the continent, marking him out as a player capable of delivering on the biggest stage.
Across his league appearances for Atalanta, Lookman scored 41 goals in 105 matches, an impressive return for a wide player and a testament to his attacking consistency.
His ability to operate across the frontline, cut inside from wide positions and contribute defensively made him a vital component of Atalanta’s system and a natural fit for elite European clubs seeking proven attacking quality.
Last summer, Lookman had reportedly pushed for a move away from Atalanta, with Serie A rivals Inter Milan among the clubs linked with his signature.
However, a transfer failed to materialise at the time, and he remained in Bergamo for another season. Atletico Madrid’s successful pursuit now sees him take the next step in his career, moving to one of Spain’s most competitive and tactically demanding teams.
For Atletico Madrid, the arrival of Lookman adds pace, directness and goal threat to Diego Simeone’s squad as the club continues to reinforce its attacking options. Known for his work rate and discipline as well as his flair, Lookman is expected to adapt well to Atletico’s intense style of play, offering versatility across the wings and in advanced attacking roles.
The transfer is also significant from a Nigerian football perspective, as Lookman becomes one of the country’s most high-profile players in La Liga.
His move to Atletico Madrid places him at the heart of one of Europe’s top leagues and provides a platform to further establish himself as a key figure for the Super Eagles at international level.
As he prepares to complete his medicals and put pen to paper, expectations will be high for Lookman to replicate the form that made him a standout performer in Italy.
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With his proven record in domestic leagues and European competition, Atletico Madrid will be hoping that his arrival can provide the cutting edge needed to challenge for major honours in the coming seasons.
Once the final formalities are completed, Lookman will officially become an Atletico Madrid player, closing the chapter on his successful Atalanta career and opening a new one in Spanish football, where he will look to make his mark in La Liga and beyond.
