Atlético Madrid Sign Nigeria Forward Ademola Lookman on Permanent Deal

Atlético Madrid have officially completed the signing of Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta on a permanent transfer.

The Spanish La Liga club confirmed the move on Monday, announcing that the 28-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until 30 June 2030.

In a statement released on the club’s website, Atlético described Lookman as a versatile and dynamic forward capable of playing as a second striker or on either wing, where his pace, dribbling and attacking instincts make him a constant threat.

Lookman successfully passed his medical examination in Madrid before meeting Atlético’s Chief Executive Officer, Miguel Ángel Gil, to complete the signing.

Born in Wandsworth, London, on 20 October 1997, Lookman began his football journey in the youth ranks of Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, where he made his senior debut in 2015.

He later featured for several European clubs including Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City, before joining Atalanta in 2022.

During his time in Bergamo, Lookman established himself among Europe’s top attackers and played a major role in Atalanta’s historic triumph in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League.

In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, he scored a remarkable hat-trick in a 3–0 victory, handing the German side their only defeat of the season. He leaves Atalanta with an impressive record of 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 appearances.

Lookman, who won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with England in 2017, switched international allegiance to Nigeria and made his Super Eagles debut in March 2022. He has since earned 41 caps and scored 11 goals.

Following his transfer, Lookman penned an emotional farewell message to Atalanta fans, thanking the club for helping him achieve unforgettable moments, including ending their 61-year trophy drought and winning the Africa Player of the Year award in 2024.

He expressed gratitude to teammates, staff and supporters, describing Bergamo as a home he will always cherish.

Lookman now begins a new chapter in Spain as Atlético strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.