Lookman LaLiga Transfer to Atletico Madrid Backed by Adepoju

Former Real Madrid player Mutiu Adepoju has endorsed new Atletico Madrid signing Ademola Lookman, expressing confidence that the Nigerian winger will thrive in LaLiga following his transfer from Atalanta.

Lookman completed his move to Diego Simeone’s side earlier this week, joining the Spanish champions ahead of the second half of the season. The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, arrives with a strong reputation from Serie A, where he was a key player for Atalanta.

Adepoju, speaking to Footy-Africa, described the transfer as a “bold move” and expressed his approval. “I think Ademola Lookman is going to a place where he is going to show his quality and everything he is about,” he stated. “He is a very good addition to the team, and I think he is going to have a great year at Atletico Madrid and in La Liga.”

The endorsement carries weight given Adepoju’s own history in Spanish football, where he played for Real Madrid and Racing Santander in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His analysis suggests Lookman’s speed and directness align well with the demanding, transitional style often employed by manager Diego Simeone.

Lookman’s signing represents a significant move for Atletico as they seek to maintain their domestic dominance and make an impact in the Champions League. After losing Ángel Correa to a long-term injury, the addition of an experienced wide attacker provides Simeone with greater depth and tactical flexibility. The player’s proven goal contributions in Italy position him as an immediate asset.

The new recruit is in contention to make his debut for Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey round-of-16 fixture against Real Betis, scheduled for Thursday evening at the Metropolitano Stadium. This match offers an early platform for Lookman to begin demonstrating his capabilities to the local fanbase.

His arrival also signals Atletico’s intent to blend youthful potential with established quality, a strategy that has underpinned their recent success. Lookman’s prior experience in major European competitions with Atalanta, including the Europa League, is expected to facilitate his adaptation to Simeone’s physically intense system.

The move from Bergamo to Madrid marks a new chapter in Lookman’s career, having previously played in England for Everton, RB Leipzig, and Fulham. His progression to becoming a leading figure for both club and country makes him a notable addition to the LaLiga landscape.

Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of Lookman underscores their ambition to compete on multiple fronts this season. His integration will be closely monitored, with early performances in both the Copa del Rey and LaLiga likely to shape perceptions of the transfer’s long-term success. The club now looks to him to provide attacking impetus as they navigate a congested fixture schedule in the coming months.