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Ademola Lookman’s transfer to Atlético Madrid has stirred debate, with contrasting views emerging on whether the Nigeria forward has taken a step forward or settled for less, footynaija.com reports.
After three and a half productive seasons at Atalanta, Lookman sealed a deadline-day move to the Spanish capital, signing a four-year deal that runs until the end of the 2029–30 campaign. His time in Italy was marked by consistency and impact, producing 82 goal involvements, 55 goals and 27 assists, in 137 matches across all competitions.
The former Everton forward also played a key role as Atalanta lifted the Europa League in 2024, the club’s most significant trophy win in history.
The 28-year-old wasted little time making his presence felt in Spain. On his debut for the Rojiblancos in the Copa del Rey, he scored once and set up another goal as Atlético cruised to a 5-0 win over Real Betis.
First game. First goal. First assist 🔥
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 6, 2026
Ladies and gentlemen, Ademola Lookman 😍 pic.twitter.com/nvgSABE47G
Named African Footballer of the Year less than two seasons ago, Lookman has become one of the continent’s standout attackers. His influence was clear at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered four goals and four assists in six matches to guide Nigeria to a bronze medal.
Former Super Eagles attacker Julius Aghahowa believes the move offers Lookman the fresh start he needed after a difficult end to his spell in Italy.
“Yes, I think it’s a good move. I am happy for him. He needed to leave Atalanta you could see he wasn’t happy staying there,” Aghahowa told Brila.
“He needed a fresh start and LaLiga is a perfect league for him. It’s a tactical league where you need speed and dribbling. He can watch other players, improve his skills, and once he does that, he’s going to be a very top player.
“Towards the end of his stay at Atalanta he was a bit down, not too happy, but now he has made a very good move.
“He can feel relieved because he is now at a big club in Europe. He will show the world what he is made of. La Liga will make him a better player because he loves to show his skills dribble, give assists, and express himself.
“The most important thing is playing time. When you play week in and week out, you improve and become better. That’s the only thing that can stop him. If he is allowed to play regularly, he will contribute to the success of the team and also the Super Eagles.”
Ademola Lookman enters the 100-goal club ⚽ pic.twitter.com/gzeljffTLz
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) February 5, 2026
In contrast, African football expert Mamadou Gaye has argued that Lookman should have targeted Europe’s biggest prize winners instead of Atletico.
Gueye opined that Lookman should have stayed back in Italy until Barcelona or Real Madrid come calling.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona — what is he doing with Atlético Madrid? What have they won? Have they won the Champions League? No, he’s not ambitious,” Mamadou Gaye said on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa.
“When you move to a club, it is to conquer Europe, not to finish third or fourth every year. Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two clubs; the others are just making up the numbers, like Atlético Madrid. Atlético are currently third on the table, that is where they belong.
“When you are Lookman, you value yourself. African Player of the Year two seasons ago, you go to the very top. Which huge club is Atlético Madrid?”
If Lookman features in La Liga this weekend, he will also make history as the first English-born player to appear in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Spain’s top flight.
