Atletico Madrid agree Lookman signing

Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, with the player already in Madrid for medical tests and contract formalities. The club has not disclosed financial terms or contract length; Spanish outlets report a fee in the region of €35–40 million. Lookman, 28, moved to Atalanta in 2022 from RB Leipzig and has since scored 55 goals for the Italian side, including a standout hat-trick in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen — the first treble in a European club final since 1975.

Born in London, Lookman came through Charlton Athletic’s ranks and made his senior debut in 2015 before transferring to Everton in 2017. After a successful loan at RB Leipzig he completed a permanent move to Germany in 2019, but limited opportunities led to further loans at Fulham and Leicester City. His transfer to Atalanta proved transformative, allowing him to rediscover form, develop consistency and become a decisive performer in Serie A and European competition. At Bergamo he combined pace, directness and clinical finishing, operating effectively across the front line as a winger or secondary striker.

Diego Simeone and Atletico see Lookman as an injection of speed and attacking versatility to bolster a side challenging on multiple fronts. The club is aiming to sharpen its goal output and add unpredictability to break down compact defences — qualities Lookman displayed regularly for Atalanta. His big-match temperament and recent European success were highlighted by Atletico as key attractions, especially with the team preparing for important Champions League knockout ties.

For Atalanta, the sale aligns with their sporting model of developing talent and monetizing assets to fund squad reinforcements. While losing a prolific forward is a competitive blow, the transfer fee will allow reinvestment in other areas. Fans of both clubs have reacted: Atletico supporters greeted the move positively, expecting a new attacking dimension, while Atalanta followers expressed gratitude for Lookman’s contributions and wished him well.

The move also has implications for Lookman’s international prospects with Nigeria, offering increased visibility in LaLiga and another platform to showcase his form ahead of major tournaments. Completion of the transfer depends on medical clearance and final registration; formal announcements are anticipated once paperwork is finalised.