Atlético Madrid Close In on Ademola Lookman After €40m Agreement With Atalanta
Sports Updated: 01 February 2026 08:24 EAT
Atalanta and Nigerian born star Ademola Lookman
Atlético Madrid are edging closer to completing the signing of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman after reaching a verbal agreement with Atalanta on a deal valued at up to €40 million. The proposed package is understood to include a €35 million guaranteed fee plus €5 million in performance-related add-ons, placing the Spanish side firmly in pole position to land the forward.
The move follows intense competition from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, who had also tabled a bid matching Atalanta’s valuation and reportedly offered Lookman a significantly higher salary. Despite the improved financial terms from Istanbul, the player is said to have informed all parties of his preference to prioritise Atlético Madrid’s proposal.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Atlético’s payment structure and sporting project have been decisive factors, with Atalanta more comfortable with the Spanish club’s financial guarantees. This has allowed talks between Atlético and Atalanta to progress swiftly in recent days.
Lookman has also been left out of Atalanta’s recent matchday squad, further fuelling speculation that a transfer is imminent as the January window reaches its final stages. The 28-year-old has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers, attracting interest from several European clubs.
Personal terms between Lookman and Atlético are now believed to be at an advanced stage, with only final contractual details and formal paperwork remaining before the deal can be completed.
If finalised, Lookman’s arrival would provide Diego Simeone with added pace, directness and goal threat in wide areas, reinforcing Atlético’s attacking options for the remainder of the season.
Formal steps are expected to follow imminently, and unless there is a late twist, Atlético Madrid are confident of sealing the deal in what would be one of their marquee signings of the window.
Tags: Atalanta Fc Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Atletico De Madrid La Liga Serie A Transfer Window Sports Journalism
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FELIX MAKONA
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