Atlético Madrid have officially confirmed an agreement with Serie A side Atalanta for the transfer of Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman, the La Liga club announced on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
In a statement published on their official website, Atlético stated: “Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta have reached an agreement over the transfer of Ademola Lookman, 28-year-old Nigerian international forward who is already in Madrid. The agreement is subject to passing his medical and agreeing and formalizing his contract.”
Lookman, who arrived in the Spanish capital on Sunday, is scheduled to undergo his medical examination on Monday, February 2, with the deal expected to be finalized shortly thereafter ahead of the winter transfer window deadline. The move marks Atlético's first major incoming signing of the window under sporting director Mateu Alemany.
Media reports, including from Fabrizio Romano, Reuters, and Spanish outlets, indicate the transfer fee is structured as a €35 million fixed payment plus up to €5 million in performance-based add-ons, bringing the potential total to around €40 million. This figure aligns with earlier estimates and positions the deal as one of the more significant January transfers in Europe.
Lookman has been a standout performer for Atalanta since joining permanently from RB Leipzig in 2022 for approximately €15 million. Over his time in Bergamo, he has scored 55 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most dangerous attackers. His most iconic moment came in the 2024 Europa League final, where he scored a stunning hat-trick in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing the club's first major European trophy in 61 years.
This season, Lookman has contributed three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta, who currently sit mid-table in Serie A. His versatility as a winger—capable of playing on either flank or centrally—has made him a prime target for clubs seeking attacking depth.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton in 2017. He later had spells at RB Leipzig (with loans to Fulham and Leicester City), where he struggled for consistency before thriving at Atalanta. Internationally, he has represented Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in their strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles advanced deep into the tournament.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone has long sought reinforcements for his forward line, particularly after recent squad changes. The club sold players including Conor Gallagher (to Tottenham), Rodrigo de Paul, Javi Galán, and Giacomo Raspadori (who joined Atalanta earlier in the month) during the January window. With striker Julián Álvarez facing goal-scoring challenges in La Liga, Lookman's pace, directness, and finishing ability are expected to provide immediate attacking options and competition.
The signing continues a recent pattern of transfers between Atlético and Atalanta, with the Spanish side previously acquiring Juan Musso and Matteo Ruggeri from the Italian club, while Raspadori moved in the opposite direction.
Lookman's arrival bolsters Atlético's squad as they compete in La Liga, the Copa del Rey (with a key quarterfinal against Real Betis looming), and the UEFA Champions League. He is anticipated to make his debut soon after completing formalities, adding flair and goal threat to Simeone's typically disciplined, counter-attacking style.
The deal represents a significant step up for Lookman, moving from Serie A to one of Europe's top leagues and a club with consistent Champions League contention. For Nigerian football fans, it further elevates the profile of Super Eagles talent in elite European competitions.
As the transfer awaits final medical clearance and contract signing, Lookman's move is poised to be one of the standout stories of the 2026 winter window.
