Soccer
Ademola Lookman on Atletico Madrid. Copyright: Imago
Former Everton forward Ademola Lookman recently made a winter switch from Atalanta BC to join Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid…
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has praised Ademola Lookman’s move from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Everton striker described the transfer as a perfect fit for both the player and the Spanish La Liga club.
Lookman completed a €40 million switch to Atlético Madrid, with the deal made up of a €35 million base fee and €5 million in add-ons.
The Nigerian forward finalised the move after completing his medical in Spain, which brought an end to his successful spell with Atalanta.
Soccer Yakubu hails Lookman’s move to Atlético Madrid
Reacting to the transfer, Yakubu said he was not surprised by Lookman’s decision to leave Italy and expressed pride in seeing the winger join one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
“I was convinced he was going to leave Atalanta Bergamo this winter. Seeing him sign for a big club like Atlético Madrid is a great source of pride,” Yakubu said to Africa Foot. “Ademola deserves to wear the colours of a top club like Atlético Madrid. He will bring many positive things to them.”
The former Everton striker added that Lookman’s qualitymake him a strong addition to Diego Simeone’s squad as they push for domestic and European success.
Soccer ‘Will benefit both player and club’ – Former Everton star
Yakubu also stressed that the move would be mutually beneficial, backing Lookman to flourish in La Liga and make a decisive impact for Atlético Madrid.
“I believe this transfer will be beneficial for both parties. Ademola will revive his career with Atlético Madrid. The Spanish club, for its part, has added a talented player to its squad who will bring something different to their attacking play,” he said.
He further backed Lookman to meet expectations at the club, pointing to the forward’s ability to perform when trusted by his coach.
“The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will succeed in Atlético Madrid colours because he knows expectations are high. And he’s a player who reaches his full potential when he has the confidence of his coach.”
Lookman leaves Atalanta after establishing himself as one of Serie A’s standout attackers and playing a key role in their Europa League success.
His move to Atlético Madrid will see him become only the second Nigerian to play for the club’s men’s team, following Abass Lawal.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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