Atlético Madrid have completed a major deadline-day signing with the acquisition of Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, from Atalanta.
The Spanish giants secured the Nigeria international on a four-and-a-half-year contract, with the deal reportedly worth €35 million.
Lookman departs Atalanta after three-and-a-half seasons in Bergamo, where he scored 41 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions.
His standout moment came in the 2023 Europa League final, where he netted a historic hat-trick to seal the club’s first European title.
The forward had been keen on leaving Atalanta last summer following a collapsed move to Inter Milan, and his desire for a transfer has now been fulfilled with a switch to Diego Simeone’s side.
Confirming his departure, Lookman released an emotional farewell message to Atalanta supporters on social media.
“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.
“Thank you to my team-mates, the staff, 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.
“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.”
Lookman made just 12 appearances for Atalanta this season, scoring twice before completing his move to Madrid.
