Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in a deal estimated to worth €35 million in fixed transfer fee and €5 million in add-ons. 

“Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta have agreed on the transfer of Ademola Lookman, who has signed for us until 30 June 2030,” the club said in a statement on Monday, noting that the player has successfully passed his medical. 

The statement added, “A versatile and dynamic right-footed player at 28 years of age, he is capable of playing both as a second striker and as a winger on either flank – either cutting inside or staying on his natural side – where he makes the most of his pace and dribbling ability.”

The confirmation ended the long-standing transfer saga involving Lookman and Atalanta after the club blocked his move to Inter Milan last summer, prompting the player to miss several matches in the beginning of the 2024/25 season in protest. 

Lookman was seemingly destined for a move to Fenerbahce last week after he agreed personal terms with the Turkish club. However, Fenerbahce were unable to strike an agreement with Atalanta on transfer fee, giving Atletico Madrid the chance to complete the deal.

The 28-year-old will become the first Nigerian player to play for the Atletico Madrid first team when he makes his debut for the Rojiblancos. 

In a heartfelt goodbye message to Atalanta and their fans on X, Lookman stated, “To the Atalanta family , after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget. Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61 year trophy drought will stay with me. Winning the Africa Player of the year award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will forever stay with me. Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart.”

He added, “Thank you to my teammates, the staff, and the club. To the fans, your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything. From day one, you stood by me and by this team through every moment. Your passion, your voices, your belief never faded and together we achieved. Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever.”