Yakubu Aiyegbeni Backs Ademola Lookman To Shine After Atletico Madrid Switch

Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has thrown his full support behind Ademola Lookman following the Super Eagles star’s high-profile move to Atletico Madrid, describing the transfer as both deserved and inevitable.

Lookman completed a €40 million permanent transfer from Serie A side Atalanta to the Spanish giants on the final day of the winter transfer window, sealing one of the most eye-catching moves of the January market.

“He Deserves A Club Like Atletico” – Yakubu

Yakubu revealed he was not surprised by the move, insisting Lookman had outgrown Atalanta and was destined for a bigger stage.

“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 told Africa Foot.

“Ademola deserves to wear the colours of a top club like Atlético Madrid. He will bring many positive things to them.”

Coming from a former Super Eagles striker who understands the demands of elite European football, the praise underlines how far Lookman’s reputation has grown in recent seasons.

From Bergamo Hero To La Liga Star

During his three-and-a-half-year spell with Atalanta, Lookman established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards. His numbers speak loudly:

• 55 goals

• 27 assists

• 137 appearances across all competitions

Those performances not only elevated Atalanta domestically and in Europe, but also cemented Lookman’s status as one of Africa’s top attacking talents.

A Perfect Fit For Simeone’s Atletico?

Lookman now steps into Diego Simeone’s intense, tactically demanding system — a challenge many believe suits his explosive pace, work rate, and improved decision-making.

The Nigerian winger is already in line to make his Atletico debut on Thursday night in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Real Betis, a stage befitting his rise.

For Atletico Madrid, Lookman offers:

• Versatility across the front line

• Goal threat from wide areas

• Big-game experience in Europe

For Nigerian football fans, it’s another moment of pride — watching a Super Eagles star take centre stage at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

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