Atletico Madrid are set to complete their first signing of the winter transfer window, securing Nigeria international striker, Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in a staggering €40 million deal (approximately ₦66 billion).
Fenerbahce were close to agreeing a €40 million deal with Atalanta for Lookman, but Atleti reportedly hijacked the transfer. News of Lookman’s departure from Atalanta was first confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the former African Footballer of the Year having made it clear that he wanted to join Atleti over Fenerbahce.
“Atletico Madrid is on the verge of sealing the signing of Ademola Lookman,” Romano reported. “The Nigerian forward’s yes to the Spanish club has been confirmed, with the club set to pay €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Now Atlético must reach an agreement with Lookman on the contract. Key hours ahead.”
Atalanta later confirmed that an agreement with Atletico Madrid had been reached as the 28-year-old flew into the Spanish capital yesterday to undergo medical tests before completing the €40 million transfer, including add-ons.
Described as a ‘problem child’ by sections of the Italian media, Lookman’s departure from Atalanta had long been imminent.
“While for outsiders, this would come as a blow for La Dea, it really is not,” noted Kaustubh Pandey, an Italian football correspondent. “The Bergamo club have been through quite a bit because of the attacker’s tantrums and constant wishes to depart the club as soon as he can.”
Lookman has been embroiled in transfer sagas with the Atalanta establishment since his 2024 Europa League final heroics, where he scored a remarkable hat-trick against Leverkusen.
Following that performance, he sought a move to Paris Saint-Germain, then jetted out to London amid speculation of a possible move to Arsenal which never materialized. He was subsequently left out of the squad by then-coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“[Ivan] Juric did the same as Gasperini, dropping Lookman entirely from the squad for major games,” Pandey stated. “He also called out his commitment publicly, clarifying that he needs more commitment from him.
“Lookman did return to the first-team fold but his form has clearly dipped. He leaves after multiple controversies, essentially delaying the inevitable. It should’ve happened earlier, but Lookman’s relationship with the club’s fans also went downhill and his larger reputation also took a hit.
“He turned into a problem child and it was a long time coming,” he added.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
