Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has completed his move from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid, with the forward confirming he held positive discussions with manager Diego Simeone before the transfer.
The deal, finalized in the winter window, is reported to be worth €35 million plus potential add-ons of €5 million, bringing the total value to €40 million. Lookman, 28, was officially presented at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan auditorium on Tuesday.
“Very good,” Lookman said of his conversation with Simeone. “It is wonderful to be able to communicate with the person you will be working with every day.” He described his playing style as dynamic and speed-based, aiming to impact crucial moments. “Being here is extremely important to me… it’s also a pleasure to play in this very special league,” he added, referencing La Liga.
This transfer concludes a protracted saga spanning over two seasons, during which Lookman was frequently linked with departures from the Serie A club. For Atlético Madrid, the signing addresses the need for attacking reinforcements as they pursue domestic and European objectives.
Manager Diego Simeone, a club legend for his achievements as both player and coach, will be tasked with integrating Lookman ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey round of 16 tie against Real Betis. The successful negotiation and player’s stated enthusiasm signal Simeone’s continued influence in the transfer market and Atlético’s ambition to strengthen their squad for the season’s run-in. Lookman, a key figure for the Nigerian national team, now faces the challenge of replicating his Serie A form in Spain’s top flight.
