By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Nigeria’s sensational winger Ademola Lookman has officially completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid, bringing a thrilling chapter to a close in what has been one of the most talked-about moves of the season.
The 28-year-old arrived in Madrid on Sunday for his medicals, and Atletico confirmed the deal on Monday — just hours before the European winter transfer window slammed shut.
Reports suggest the Spanish club shelled out around €35 million, with another €5 million in performance-related add-ons — valuing the transfer at roughly €40 million. That haul makes Lookman the second-most expensive Nigerian player of all time, only behind Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Lookman has penned a four-and-a-half-year contract that ties him to the Wanda Metropolitano until June 2030 — a clear sign of Atletico’s long-term vision for him.
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico will be counting on Lookman’s pace, creativity and unpredictability in the final third as they vie for honours domestically and in Europe. His arrival adds a fresh attacking spark to a side known for its grit and tactical discipline.
The move ends a roller-coaster spell at Atalanta, where Lookman rose to European prominence — most memorably with a stunning hat-trick in the 2023 Europa League final, securing the Italian club’s first major continental trophy and announcing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards.
Linked with several clubs over the past months — including Fenerbahçe and even interest from Inter Milan — Lookman’s future had been the subject of constant speculation. But it was Atletico’s late-run push that finally won the race.
Now in Madrid, the Super Eagles star is expected to hit the ground running as Simeone reshapes his squad for the challenges ahead.
Fans everywhere will be watching closely to see if Lookman’s dynamic style can light up La Liga the way he did in Italy.
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