Fakayejo Paul
Atlético Madrid have successfully hijacked the deal of the winter. After overtaking Fenerbahçe in a frantic 48-hour race, a full agreement is now in place for Ademola Lookman to join Diego Simeone’s side from Atalanta.
The Nigerian superstar, who recently led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at AFCON 2025, had been pushing for a move since the summer. While Fenerbahçe had a fee agreed, Lookman’s priority was always La Liga once Atlético entered the frame.
The Transfer Package
- The Fixed Fee: Atlético will pay Atalanta €35 million.
- The Add-ons: A further €5 million in performance-related bonuses, bringing the total package to €40 million.
- The Contract: A long-term deal (expected until June 2030) with a significantly improved salary.
- The Catalyst: The move was eased by the “excellent relationship” between the clubs following Giacomo Raspadori’s recent switch from Madrid to Bergamo.
Why Lookman?
Simeone has been “crying out” for attacking reinforcements after Antoine Griezmann suffered a hamstring injury and Raspadori departed.L
ookman provides the versatility and clinical edge needed to salvage Atlético’s season, as they currently trail Barcelona by 10 points in La Liga.
Lookman was left out of Atalanta’s squad for their match against Como this weekend to finalize the move. He is scheduled to fly to Madrid tonight, with medical tests and the official signing set for Monday morning—just hours before the deadline.