Atlético Madrid has secured the signing of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta for a reported €40 million. The transfer headlines a busy period for Nigerian players, with midfielders Frank Onyeka and Joe Aribo also completing deadline-day moves to Coventry City and Leicester City, respectively.
Lookman, 28, arrives in Madrid to undergo a medical and finalize a long-term contract. The striker famously scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League final victory, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. His signing provides an offensive boost for Diego Simeone’s side as they pursue La Liga and Champions League success.
Meanwhile, Championship leaders Coventry City have strengthened their promotion push with the loan signing of Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka. The deal includes an obligation to make the move permanent should Coventry achieve promotion to the Premier League this season. The 28-year-old Nigerian international brings Premier League and Bundesliga experience to the Sky Blues’ squad.
In another Championship switch, Leicester City have loaned midfielder Joe Aribo from rivals Southampton until the end of the season. The 29-year-old, a former Rangers standout, adds depth and quality to Leicester’s midfield as they aim for an immediate return to the top flight. Aribo expressed immediate confidence in his new team’s potential.
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These coordinated moves reveal the continued demand for Nigerian talent across Europe’s major leagues. Lookman’s high-profile transfer to Spain marks a career peak, while Onyeka and Aribo seek to propel their English clubs toward Premier League football.
