From Bergamo to Madrid: Lookman's La Liga dream takes flight
3 February 2026
New chapter for Lookman at Atletico Madrid
New chapter for Ademola Lookman as he signs with Atletico Madrid, eager to prove himself in La Liga and help the capital club chase trophies.
After an emotional farewell to Atalanta on Monday night, the Nigerian international expressed happiness about joining Atletico Madrid in the club's communications to the media.
Atlético Madrid paid 40 million euros for Lookman: 35 million as base and 5 million in add-ons linked to performance.
Lookman said the move is very special and he is happy to be in Madrid.
He added that Atletico is a stunning club and a giant, and being there feels like a blessing. He has played in three other top leagues and is moving to another major league, a big country, and a new language, with fresh challenges ahead that he is excited to face.
The Africa's 2024 Player of the Year continued that he wanted to join this group of amazing players and help them win as much as possible.
He concluded that he wants to be at his best every day, to learn, improve and grow, embracing a new challenge with full commitment.
He also noted that they live and breathe football, and he understands the fans' passion and what they bring to the club and players, describing the team as very special.
First appearance in La Liga and a landmark Atalanta spell
Lookman is expected to make his Atletico Madrid debut in two days, facing Real Sociedad in the King’s Cup quarterfinal at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
Lookman arrived at Atalanta in 2022 from RB Leipzig for 16.1 million euros, after spells in England with Everton, Leicester City, and Fulham.
During his time at Atalanta, Lookman scored 52 goals and provided 22 assists in 119 appearances, and he became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club final, helping Atalanta win its first major trophy, the Europa League.
Punchline: If pace could be taxed, Lookman would be a walking tax on the defense, netting goals and raising the tempo every game.
Punchline 2: They say speed kills; in Lookman’s case, speed scores, and the net files a smile when he passes by.
