Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has backed compatriot Ademola Lookman to shine at Atletico Madrid, following his transfer move last month, SportPremi reports.
The former African footballer of the year award winner secured a move to the Spanish giants during the January transfer window, putting an end to his stay at Atalanta.
Lookman joined La Dea in 2022 from German outfit RB Leipzig and became one of the best players in his position at the club during his three-and-a-half year stay.
The 28-year-old won Atalanta’s player of the season award in his first two campaigns at the club, with the second particularly very memorable in their history.
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In 2024, he guided the club to their first-ever European title after scoring a treble in the Europa League final as they thrashed the then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. It was a very successful year as he went on to win the CAF Men’s Player of the yea award and also finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings for that year.
However, Lookman has been denied exits from the Italian club multiple times. They first denied him a move in January 2025 with PSG interested, before rejecting multiple bids from Inter Milan last summer.
In a bid to force an exit, the Nigerian forward handed in a transfer request and refused to play for them. However, the efforts proved futile as they did not sanction a move and kept him at the club against his wishes.
Atletico Madrid have now completed his signature and will pay a total fee of €40 million, which includes a fixed €35 million and €5 million in add-ons.
Lookman has signed until 2030 and will wear the number 22 shirt at the club.
Aiyegbeni reveals stance on Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who enjoyed a successful playing career in England before retirement, was delighted on the calibre of club the 28-year-old was joining.
The former Everton striker also backed Lookman to hit top form in Spain and believes he could be a difference maker for Diego Simeone’s side.
“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 revealed.
“Ademola deserves to wear the colours of a top club like Atlético Madrid. He will bring many positive things to them. 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.
“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”, the former Everton forward concluded.
Lookman could make his debut for Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash against Real Betis later today, after he was involved in training with his teammates yesterday.
