Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa has expressed excitement over Ademola Lookman’s move from Atalanta to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, describing it as a bold step that could further elevate the winger’s career.
Adepoju, who previously featured in La Liga with Real Madrid Castilla and Racing Santander and represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, was delighted to see another Nigerian player heading to Spain’s top flight.
“I think it’s a very bold move and I really, really love it,” Adepoju said. “I think he’s going to a place where he is going to show his quality and everything that Ademola Lookman is about. I am very sure he is going to have a lot of support from Atletico Madrid.”
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“They are one of the biggest clubs in Spain and everybody knows the history of Ademola Lookman. He is a very good addition to the team and I think Lookman is going to have a great year at Atletico Madrid and in La Liga. I really love the move and I wish him all the best because I know he is a great guy and he deserves to be happy. I am very sure he is going to be happy because he is a great guy and a great footballer too,” he added.
Lookman completed a transfer to Atletico Madrid after both clubs reached an agreement worth €35 million, with an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons. A long-term contract has also been agreed with the 28-year-old forward, bringing an end to his time in Serie A. The move comes a year after a standoff with Atalanta over a proposed switch to Inter Milan, with the Nigerian now finally securing his desired transfer.
Lookman leaves Italy after an outstanding spell with Atalanta, whom he joined from RB Leipzig in 2022. During his time in Bergamo, he scored 55 goals and established himself as one of the club’s most influential attackers.
His finest moment came in the 2024 Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen to secure Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy and end the German side’s 51-match unbeaten run.
