Tag: Lookman

Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has hailed the “different” qualities of Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian international marked his Atlético Madrid debut with a stunning strike.

The former Atalanta star joined the Spanish giants in the final days of the January window and wasted no time making an impact during a 5-0 rout of Real Betis. Simeone believes the attacker offers a unique threat to his squad.

Atlético Madrid had the likes of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann in attack before adding Ademola Lookman.

Lookman showed off his talent by scoring a goal and helping set up another as Atlético beat Real Betis 5-0, securing a place in the semifinals.

The Super Eagles player was always a threat during the game, displaying quickness, skill, and composure when playing near the opponent’s goal.

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After the game, Simeone spoke about Lookman’s strengths, saying that his skill in one-on-one situations adds a special touch to Atlético’s attacking play.

Diego Simeone told Europa Press, “His traits show clearly. He’s a type of player unlike any of the others on the team. He is better at handling one-on-one situations than working in team plays, even though he can do that too.”

 “That lets us use him in various positions,” he added. “We’re learning about each other step by step, and today he really positively helped the team.

“The team sensed it, and I believe he was feeling good as well. Hopefully, we can help him become an even better player, and he can help us grow as a team,” Simeone concluded.

Meanwhile, Lookman has set a new record after scoring his first goal on his debut for the club.

According to OptaJose, Lookman became the first Atletico Madrid player to debut as a starter against a LaLiga opponent with a goal and an assist in any competition since the 2013/14 season.

Ahead of today’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis at La Cartuja, coach Diego Simeone has highlighted some of the qualities his new Nigerian import, Ademola Lookman, can bring to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico officially announced Lookman’s signing from Atalanta on Monday, securing the 27-year-old on a four-year deal worth €40 million. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who has been assigned the number 22 jersey at the Metropolitano, had his first training session with the team on Tuesday, much to the delight of the Argentine coach.

“He joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third,” Simeone said. “We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can, and in the way we expect. And obviously, those important partnerships are formed for the good of the team, because that’s what it’s about: bringing good players together.”

It appears Simeone could hand Lookman, along with another new signing Obed Vargas, their Atletico debuts in today’s high-profile Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis, who are coached by the experienced Chilean Manuel Pellegrini.

Today will be the second time Atletico face Betis this season and the first of their two meetings this week, as the Andalusian outfit will visit the Metropolitano this weekend in LaLiga.

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Both sides have met on 142 previous occasions, with a record of 75 wins for Atleti, 33 draws and 34 defeats.

In their most recent visit to the Seville-based club last October, Atletico came away with all three points in a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Giuliano Simeone and Álex Sorloth.

The last time both sides met in the knockout competition was in the 2012/13 season, when Atletico progressed with a 3-1 aggregate win.

It remains to be seen how they will fare today at La Cartuja, with Lookman expected to be in the mix.

Ace winger handed jersey No. 22

Amid the frenzy surrounding Ademola Lookman’s high-profile move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid, former Nigerian internationals Friday Ekpo and Ifeanyi Udeze have offered differing perspectives on the winger’s transition from Serie A to La Liga.

Atletico Madrid officially announced the signing on Monday, securing the 28-year-old in a four-year deal worth €40 million. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year has been assigned the number 22 jersey at the Metropolitano.

Friday Ekpo, a 1992 AFCON bronze medallist, hailed the move as a significant milestone, arguing that Atletico’s stature will elevate Lookman’s global profile.

“Congratulations to Ademola Lookman on joining such a prestigious club,” Ekpo said. “He has played for good teams before, but moving to a giant like Atletico shows his desire to reach the next level. He now needs to adapt quickly to their system and work hard to make a lasting impact.”

Addressing concerns over Diego Simeone’s notoriously disciplined tactical setup, Ekpo suggested the Argentine’s rigors would actually refine Lookman’s versatility.

“Football isn’t just about attacking; defense starts from the front,” Ekpo told Brila FM. “Even as an attacker, you must contribute defensively. I believe Atletico’s approach will make Lookman a more complete player.”

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However, Ifeanyi Udeze—who represented Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup—offered a more cautious take. The former West Bromwich Albion defender expressed concern that Simeone’s “ultra-defensive” philosophy might stifle Lookman’s natural flair.

“The move isn’t bad in itself,” Udeze remarked. “My only fear is that Simeone might change his style so much that his core skills are suppressed. Simeone prioritizes constant marking over individual dribbling. Lookman’s work rate will have to be exceptionally high to thrive in that environment.”

In a related development,  a La Liga Expert Phil Kitromilides, has shared the excitements of the Atletico’s faithful on Lookman’s move to Spain.

“People are super excited about this transfer, it’s a little bit of star quality coming through to Atleti,” Kitromilides reportedly  told CBS TV. “It’s a really, really interesting signing.

 “It’s a useful signing. He’s the kind of player they don’t have – who dribbles past players at speed,” he added.

Napoli pushed until the final moments of the transfer window in their attempt to sign Ademola Lookman but were ultimately blocked by financial constraints.

Italian outlet Il Mattino reported that the Nigerian forward was Napoli’s top target, with Atalanta demanding €40 million following the player’s desire to leave after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli would have matched Atletico Madrid’s offer for Lookman if not for budgetary limitations imposed on the club.

Unable to complete the deal, Napoli turned to Brazilian striker Alisson Santos from Sporting Lisbon, a move Romano described as a “forced choice.”

• Forward targets Betis bow o Thursday
• Atalanta chiefs hail departing ‘Mola’

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman could make his Atlético Madrid debut as early as Thursday when Diego Simeone’s side face Real Betis away in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal.

Atlético yesterday officially announced the signing of Lookman from Atalanta following an agreement between both clubs for the former African Footballer of the Year, who will wear the red-and-white jersey for the next four and a half seasons.

 The 28-year-old penned a long-term contract keeping him at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until June 30, 2030.

As part of the transfer formalities, Lookman successfully completed his medical at the Vithas–Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre in Madrid before heading to the club’s stadium to finalize the move. He was formally received by Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil at the club’s offices, where the paperwork was concluded.

Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

Lookman arrives in Spain on the back of an outstanding spell with Atalanta, where he etched his name into the club’s history by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the 3-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League final—the club’s first-ever continental title.

During his time in Bergamo, ‘Mola’—as Lookman is widely known—made 137 appearances, scoring 55 goals and registering 27 assists, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most lethal attackers.

Atalanta hailed the departing winger after three and a half years of excellent service. “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” the Serie A side said.

Following his move to Atlético Madrid, Lookman penned an emotional farewell to Atalanta and their supporters on Instagram, reflecting on the unforgettable moments he experienced with the club.

“From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own,” Lookman wrote, recalling the Europa League triumph, his hat-trick in the final, and winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award as an Atalanta player.

He also paid tribute to his teammates, the club’s staff, and the fans, thanking them for their unwavering support and for making Bergamo feel like home.

As Lookman now turns his focus to life in La Liga, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles star as he prepares to don Atlético Madrid colours for the first time.

Nigeria international forward Ademola Lookman has put a hold on talks on a January transfer move to Turkish side Fenerbahce before the close of the window following interest from Atletico Madrid, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.Super Eagles Merchandise

Lookman already agreed terms on a move to the Turkish side with only a club to club agreement yet to be in place with Atalanta, who are demanding €10 million more from what was offered.

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Fenerbahce have however been dealt a cruel blow with Atletico coming into the picture, with a better offer to Atalanta and also matching what they offered to pay in salary.

The offer has now made the 28 year old to put a hold on talks with the Turkish side in line with his desire to stay in mainstream Europe. Talks with the Spanish side is now his priority.

A decision is expected in the coming hours from all involved, but the offer from the Turkish side is still on the table for his consideration despite the offer from Atletico Madrid.

Fenerbahçe have reignited their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, shifting focus toward a potential loan deal as negotiations with Atalanta resume.

Atalanta had initially valued the Nigerian attacker at €45 million but have reportedly reduced their asking price to €35 million due to limited competitive bids. In response, Fenerbahçe’s hierarchy is preparing a strategic visit to Italy to reopen discussions with both the player and the club.

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According to reports, the Turkish side intends to propose a loan move that includes an option to make the transfer permanent for the revised fee.

Lookman has featured in 18 matches for Atalanta this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists, and remains a highly regarded attacking asset whose pace, creativity, and goal threat could significantly strengthen Fenerbahçe’s squad.