Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Italian club Atalanta for the signature of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman.
The former La Liga champions will pay a total of €40 million for the 28-year-old, with a fixed €35 million fee and an additional €5 million in add-ons.
The Nigerian forward joined Atalanta in 2022 from RB Leipzig and has enjoyed a standout time at the club, scoring 55 goals and winning the club’s player of the season award in two of his three campaigns.
Lookman scored a remarkable treble in the 2024 Europa League final to lead La Dea to a 3-0 win over Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and secure their first-ever European trophy.
The 28-year-old also claimed the CAF Men’s Player of the year award for 2024, highlighting his growth and status as one of Africa’s biggest football talents.
“The Nigerian international is already in Madrid to undergo the relevant medical examination and finalise his new contract”, the Spanish club revealed in a statement.
Lookman was involved in a transfer saga with the club last summer in an attempt to leave and even handed in a transfer request.
Inter Milan had multiple bids rejected by Atalanta as they failed in their pursuit of the Super Eagles superstar.
Despite being frozen out of the squad initially, he was later reinstated few weeks into the season.
Fenerbahce had already agreed personal terms with the Nigerian last week, but could not reach an agreement over a transfer fee.
Atletico Madrid took advantage of the situation and despite offering lower wages compared to the Turkish side, they have now sealed the agreement, pending a medical examination later today.
Lookman will be hoping to help the club in their pursuit of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga title race once he completes the move and could make his debut against Real Betis on Thursday in the Copa del Rey.
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