BY ROSEMARY UGIOMOH
Ademola Lookman is heading to Atlético Madrid. The Nigerian winger has a full agreement with the Colchoneros for a long-term contract, with a €35 million fixed fee plus €5 million in add-ons to Atalanta. The club is already arranging his travel and medical, and Lookman chose Atlético over Fenerbahçe’s big offer because he wants to play in La Liga under Simeone, who values his 1-v-1 pace and versatility on both flanks.
Fenerbahçe had a €40 million package and a four-year, €6-7 million per season salary on the table, but the player preferred the Spanish project and higher-profile competition. Galatasaray also made a push, offering a €9 million annual salary, but it didn’t progress to a deal.
Ademola Lookman’s sudden U-turn is the talk of the winter window. After weeks of speculation linking him to Fenerbahçe, the Nigerian forward decided late last night that Atlético Madrid was his priority, even though the Turkish club offered a bigger salary package.
The 28-year-old was swayed by Diego Simeone’s direct conversations and the chance to play in La Liga’s Champions League chase, a challenge he’s eager to take on after a standout 2024-25 season with Atalanta (20 goals, 7 assists across all competitions).
Atlético moved quickly, matching Fenerbahçe’s €40 million offer with a structure of €35 million fixed plus €5 million in add-ons, and are now arranging travel and a medical for Lookman.
The deal is in its final stages, with personal terms already agreed on a long-term contract. Lookman’s decision also follows a dip in form this season, but his recent AFCON 2025 performances reminded everyone of his quality, and he’s keen to reignite his career under Simeone’s high-intensity system.
