Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has officially joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta on transfer deadline day, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old was keen to leave Atalanta last summer after falling out of favour with former coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He was however denied a move to rivals Inter Milan and was frozen out of the first team.
He was eventually integrated back in and has featured 19 times in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Lookman also participated at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, helping the Super Eagles to the bronze medal, finish with three goals and assists, making him the player with the highest goal involment during the tournament.
He famously led Atalanta to their first European title by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
In his farewell spell to Atalanta, he said: “To the Atalanta family , after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. 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.
“Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget. Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61 year trophy drought will stay with me. Winning the Africa Player of the year award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will forever stay with me. Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart.
“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, the club. To the fans, your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything. From day one, you stood by me and by this team through every moment. Your passion, your voices, your belief never faded and together we achieved.
“Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever.”
To the Atalanta family , after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. 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.
Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us… pic.twitter.com/uKowjaOr1n
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 2, 2026
Atalanta have agreed a €35 million fixed fee with Atletico Madrid, with another €5 million in add-ons.
Lookman was previously linked with a move Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, which would have seen him unite with compatriot Victor Osimhen but a deal failed to materialise.
Welcome to Atleti, Ademola Lookman! 🇳🇬👋 pic.twitter.com/UvHvNtCv7c
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 2, 2026
He has put pen to paper a four-year contract that runs until 2030 with Atletico Madrid becomes the first-ever Nigerian to feature for the 11-time La Liga champions.
