Atlético de Madrid confirms signing of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta for 40 million euros

Atlético from Madrid announced this Sunday the signing of Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman, 28 years old, from Atalanta. The agreement between the clubs was closed for around 40 million euros, and the player is already in the Spanish capital to undergo medical examinations and sign the definitive contract. The operation marks the main reinforcement of the colchonero club in the 2026 winter transfer window.

The transfer takes place at the end of the European window, meeting an immediate need from coach Diego Simeone, who requested reinforcements in the offensive sector. Lookman stands out for its versatility, being able to act at the ends or as a central reference. Sua arrival partially offsets departures recorded in January.

The Madrid club faced difficulties in completing deals throughout the window, but accelerated negotiations in the last few days. The board prioritized the arrival of players capable of contributing immediately in the competition for positions in the La Liga and in European competitions.

I agree with Atalanta for the transfer of Ademola Lookman.

El Nigerian international is located at Madrid. The agreement is pending medical recognition and the formalization of your contract.

➡️https://t.co/DcYOlpArSH pic.twitter.com/d88yaXPe1C

— Atlético from Madrid (@Atleti)February 1, 2026

Operation details

The transfer value is around 40 million euros, with a fixed part and possible variables. The deal was concluded after intense negotiations between Atlético of Madrid and Atalanta, who agreed to release one of their main players.

Lookman already landed in Madrid on Saturday night and is undergoing medical evaluations this Monday. The signing of the contract should take place within the next few hours, depending on the results of the exams.

Trajectory of Lookman

Ademola

At Atalanta, since 2022, the Nigerian has reached the peak of his performance. Ele became a fundamental piece in the Italian team’s tactical scheme, highlighted by the victory of Liga Europa in 2024, when he scored three goals in the final.

The striker is regularly called up for the Nigéria team. Sua speed and dribbling ability make him a valuable option for quick counterattacks.

Atlético needs for the season

Atlético’s Madrid lost important pieces at the start of 2026, including departures in midfield and attack. Essas casualties affected the team’s balance, which seeks to maintain competitiveness at the top of the La Liga table.

Diego Simeone publicly pressed for reinforcements that would add immediate quality. The board responded with late but significant moves in the final stretch of the window.

The colchonera team occupies intermediate positions in the Spanish classification this season. The arrival of new players aims to improve performance in decisive sequences of games.

Lookman arrives to compete for position with athletes already established in the squad. Sua’s adaptation to the intense style proposed by Simeone will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

Other movements in the mattress market

In addition to Lookman, Atlético of Madrid reached an agreement for the arrival of Marcos Leonardo on loan from Al Hilal. The young Brazilian arrives with a purchase option set at a value close to 40 million euros.

Another negotiation involves midfielder Obed Vargas, 20 years old, from Seattle Sounders. The Mexican could join the main squad or be loaned out to gain minutes at another club.

These operations demonstrate the management’s effort to rebuild the squad quickly. The hires cover different sectors and age groups.

• Immediate reinforcement of the attack with Lookman;
• Young and versatile option with Marcos Leonardo;
• Promise for midfield with Obed Vargas.

Technical profile of the new reinforcement

Ademola Lookman is characterized by physical explosion and skill in individual duels. Ele prefers to play on the left side, cutting inside with his right foot, but he also performs well on the right or centrally. Sua average of goals and assists in Atalanta in recent seasons surpasses the mark of 15 direct contributions per Italian championship. The Nigerian actively participated in the Bérgamo club’s European campaigns, demonstrating his ability in high-pressure games. Adapting to Spanish football represents the next challenge in his consolidated career at Europa.

Winter window backdrop

The 2026 winter transfer window proved to be busy for several European clubs. Atlético of Madrid, initially slow in negotiations, concentrated efforts in the final days to avoid competitive losses.

Other La Liga teams also carried out heavy movements. The Spanish market registered significant investments in foreign players.

Expectations for integration

Lookman should be officially presented in the coming days, if the medical tests are approved. Sua debut may take place in the following rounds of La Liga, depending on the approval of the contract.

Colchonera fans receive the news with moderate optimism. The Nigerian player brings characteristics that complement the style of play imposed by Simeone over the years.

Recent numbers of Lookman

In the current season for Atalanta, before the transfer, Lookman recorded important participation in goals. Suas statistics include:

• More than 10 goals in official competitions;
• Regular assists in Serie A games;
• Decisive contributions in the group stage of the Champions League;
• High average number of successful dribbles per match.

These numbers reinforce the attacker’s potential to raise the level of Madrid’s offensive sector.

Atlético history in late windows

The Madrid club has already made impactful signings in the final minutes of previous windows. Past Exemplos shows that last-minute deals can yield positive results throughout the season.

The current strategy repeats the pattern observed in recent years. The board prioritizes athletes with European experience and ready to compete immediately.

Influence on the current cast

The arrival of Lookman increases internal competition in the attack. Jogadores established players will have to improve their performance to maintain ownership.

Marcos Leonardo, another offensive reinforcement, brings a different profile and complements the tactical options. The variety in the sector allows the coach to test alternative formations.