Atletico Madrid Sign Ademola Lookman From Atalanta
Atletico Madrid has made a significant addition to their attacking lineup by signing Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta for £30.3 million. The 28-year-old, who was born in London, has established himself as a formidable player in Serie A. Since his transfer to Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, he scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists, showcasing his prowess as a forward.
Lookman’s crowning achievement came in 2024 when he scored a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. This performance led Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy, solidifying his legacy at the club. Not only did he play a crucial role in this historic win, but he also earned the African Footballer of the Year award for his outstanding performances. Furthermore, he was recognized on the international stage as the only African player shortlisted for the men’s Ballon d’Or, finishing in 14th place.
While Lookman initially represented England at various youth levels, including being part of the Under-20 World Cup-winning squad in 2017, he ultimately chose to play for Nigeria. He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2022, furthering his international career.
Atletico Madrid, currently sitting third in La Liga and trailing leaders Barcelona by ten points, confirmed the transfer agreement on Monday. Lookman has signed a contract with the Spanish club that extends until June 2030, with the deal being finalized on transfer deadline day. His arrival is expected to bolster Atletico’s offensive capabilities as they approach the crucial latter stages of the season.
Lookman’s professional journey began at Charlton Athletic, where he made his first-team debut in 2015. He subsequently joined Everton in 2017, making an immediate impact by scoring during his Premier League debut. After a successful loan period, he made a permanent move to RB Leipzig in July 2019, before spending time on loan at Fulham and Leicester City. Ultimately, it was at Atalanta that Lookman truly flourished, experiencing the peak of his career.
As he departs Bergamo, Lookman expressed heartfelt gratitude to Atalanta and their supporters in a farewell message. He reflected on his near four-year tenure with the club, emphasizing the warmth with which he was embraced by fans and staff alike. He wrote, “From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
He highlighted the unforgettable moments shared with the club, particularly the historic victory in the Europa League and his individual accolades. Lookman acknowledged the pivotal role fans played in his journey, saying, “Your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything.” He concluded by thanking everyone involved in making Bergamo feel like home and for the lasting memories he carries with him.
With Lookman’s dynamic abilities and notable achievements, Atletico Madrid fans eagerly anticipate what he will bring to the team as they aim to compete for titles in the coming seasons.
