The 2024 African footballer of the year, Ademola Lookman, has joined the Spanish Giant, Atletico Madrid on after the two clubs reached an agreement.
The versatile, dynamic, right-footed 28-year-old has signed with the former Spanish champions on a contract running until 30 June 2030.
The winger has scored three goals in 19 matches across all competitions this season for Atalanta.
Lookman, who scored a hat-trick as the Italian side beat Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League in 2024, is expected to cost Atletico around 40 million euros ($47.5 million) according to media reports.
Born in London, Lookman began his career at Charlton Athletic before joining Everton.
After a loan spell at RB Leipzig he signed for the German side permanently in 2019, but was loaned back to Premier League sides Fulham and Leicester before moving to Atalanta in 2022.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone has been asking the club for more reinforcements after Giacomo Raspadori left for Atalanta and Conor Gallagher signed for Tottenham earlier in the winter transfer window.
Meanwhile in a thank you message on X (formally Twitter) the Nigerian international paid glowing tributes to the management, fellow players and fans of Atalanta for making the club his second home.
“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 teammates, 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 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”.
Grazie di tutto, ciao 💙🖤”
