Ademola Lookman Joins Atletico Madrid In €35m Transfer

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Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta on deadline day, adding a proven scorer to Diego Simeone's attacking options. The Nigeria international arrives after a successful spell in Italy and signs a long-term contract that is set to keep Lookman in Madrid for four-and-a-half years.

Reports in Europe state Atletico are paying a fee of 35m for Lookman, after three-and-a-half seasons with Atalanta. During that time, Lookman scores 41 goals in 105 matches for the club. The forward also hits a hat-trick in the 2023 Europa League final, helping secure a historic European title.

Lookman has struggled for regular minutes in the current campaign, featuring only 12 times for Atalanta and scoring two goals. Earlier in the summer window, Lookman is understood to have pushed for a move, and a proposed transfer to Inter collapses. Atletico Madrid then move late in the market to secure the deal.

Lookman’s impact in Bergamo goes beyond goals and appearances, with key performances on major stages. The Europa League final treble ends Atalanta’s 61-year wait for silverware. Lookman is later named Africa Player of the Year in 2024 while still an Atalanta player, underlining the forward’s status on the continent.

In a statement released on social media, Lookman wrote: 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, theyre engraved in my heart. Thank you to my team-mates, 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. Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories Ill carry forever.

Lookman now starts a new phase with Atletico Madrid, carrying strong form from Italy and recent African recognition. Simeone gains a forward used to high-pressure matches and title challenges. Atalanta lose a key figure from a historic era, while Atletico aim to benefit from Lookman’s experience and eye for goal.