emola Lookman joined Atlético Madrid for his first training session on Tuesday, marking his initial integration into the squad ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Betis. The Nigeria international, who completed his transfer from Atalanta on Monday, was greeted with the team’s customary welcome ritual, greeting teammates in two lines before receiving pats on the back and shoulders as he entered the training ground.
The 28-year-old winger arrives at the Metropolitano Stadium after a prolific season with Atalanta in Serie A, where his goals and assists were instrumental in their European campaign. His move represents a significant reinforcement for Diego Simeone’s side as they navigate a demanding schedule across La Liga and European competition. Lookman’s pace, dribbling, and experience in Italy’s top flight are expected to provide additional depth and attacking options for the Madrid-based club.
With the midweek Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis scheduled for Thursday, Lookman is in contention to make his debut. Manager Diego Simeone will assess his readiness in training, but the timing of his arrival suggests he could be involved from the bench or in the starting lineup. Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, presents a formidable challenge, and Atlético will be keen to secure a positive result in the two-legged tie to advance to the semi-finals.
This debut comes at a pivotal moment for Atlético, who are firmly in the La Liga title race and progressing in the Champions League. Lookman’s familiarity with high-pressure matches from his time at Atalanta, including their UEFA Europa League final appearance, is seen as a valuable asset. His international experience with Nigeria, including appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, further underscores his capability to handle major occasions.
The swift completion of his transfer allows Lookman minimal downtime, but his prior pre-season with Atalanta means he should possess a reasonable level of fitness. His primary objective in the coming days is to assimilate Simeone’s tactical instructions and build understanding with his new teammates. The Copa del Rey provides an immediate opportunity to begin that process in a competitive environment.
For Media Talk Africa, the signing is notable as Lookman continues the trend of Nigerian internationals making an impact in Spain’s top division. His performance and adaptation at Atlético will be closely followed by fans on the continent. The forthcoming match against Betis will serve as the first public indicator of how quickly he can translate his proven quality from Italy to La Liga.
