Manny Ita
Atletico Madrid and Atalanta BC have finalized an agreement for the permanent transfer of Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman. The deal for the 28-year-old is valued at approximately €40 million (₦66 billion), comprising a €35 million fixed fee and an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons. The La Liga club confirmed the development in an official statement released on Sunday, noting that the two organizations “have agreed to the transfer of 28-year-old Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, who is already in Madrid.”
The transfer remains subject to the successful completion of a medical examination and the formalization of personal contract terms. Lookman, who arrived in the Spanish capital on Sunday evening, expressed his enthusiasm for the move shortly after landing. “I’m very, very happy to be here. I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” the forward stated. His departure from Atalanta concludes a three-and-a-half-season tenure highlighted by his historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, which secured the Italian club’s first international trophy.
The move follows a competitive bidding process in which Atletico Madrid successfully overtook interest from Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the progression of the deal, noting that “the Nigerian forward’s yes to the Spanish club has been confirmed” following direct discussions with manager Diego Simeone. Atalanta also issued a farewell to the player, with the club’s leadership and the Percassi family thanking him for his contributions and wishing him success in the Spanish top flight.
