Atletico Madrid, Spain – In a significant move for both the player and the club, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has officially signed with Atletico Madrid from Atalanta. The transfer, finalised on February 2, 2026, marks a new chapter for the 28-year-old winger, who has put pen to paper on a contract lasting until June 30, 2030.
The agreement between the two clubs sees Atletico Madrid reportedly paying around €40 million (approximately $47.5 million) for the dynamic player, who previously made headlines for his standout performance in the 2024 Europa League final, where he netted a hat-trick to help Atalanta secure victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, Lookman has contributed three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta, showcasing his ability to impact matches significantly. His versatility and speed on the flank are expected to bolster Atletico’s attacking options, particularly as coach Diego Simeone seeks to reinvigorate his squad.
Born in London, Lookman’s career began at Charlton Athletic before he made a move to Everton. Following a loan spell at RB Leipzig, he signed with the German club permanently in 2019. However, his journey also included loan stints at Fulham and Leicester City before ultimately joining Atalanta in 2022.
Atletico Madrid’s recent transfer activity has been influenced by the departures of key players, including Giacomo Raspadori, who moved to Atalanta, and Conor Gallagher, who signed with Tottenham during the winter transfer window. The need for reinforcements has become increasingly urgent, especially as striker Julian Alvarez struggles with a goal drought, having gone 11 La Liga matches without finding the net.
Lookman’s arrival is anticipated to provide a much-needed spark to the Rojiblancos’ attacking line as they aim to improve their performance in both domestic and European competitions. The club’s management and fans alike will be keenly watching how the Nigerian international adapts to La Liga and contributes to Atletico’s ambitions for the season.
As Lookman embarks on this new journey in Spain, his experience and skill set are expected to play a crucial role in Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of success in the coming years. The club’s investment in him reflects not only their confidence in his abilities but also their commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging for top honours.
