Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has prioritised a move to Spanish La Liga side Atlético Madrid over a switch to Fenerbahçe, despite an improved salary offer from the Turkish club.
In recent days, Atalanta had reached an agreement with Fenerbahçe on a €40 million deal plus bonuses, but the Italian club were not satisfied with the Turkish side’s proposed payment structure.
Fenerbahçe had also agreed personal terms worth up to €9 million per year for the Nigeria international. However, the situation has changed in the last 24 hours.
According to respected Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atalanta on Saturday agreed a €40 million deal with Atlético Madrid for Lookman, with the La Liga club meeting their preferred payment terms.
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Reports also indicate that Lookman has informed all parties of his desire to join Atlético Madrid, turning down Fenerbahçe’s improved salary bid aimed at luring him to Turkey.
“Atlético Madrid are closing in on Ademola Lookman deal tonight! The player has informed all parties about his desire to prioritise Atlético proposal despite Fenerbahçe improved salary bid,” Romano wrote on X.
“Verbal agreement on €40m deal. Formal steps expected today then… here we go.”
As reported, a verbal agreement is now in place between Atalanta and Atlético Madrid, with formal procedures already underway as both clubs look to complete the transfer before the February 2nd deadline for player registrations in Europe’s top five leagues.
Lookman has been keen on leaving Atalanta following a well-publicised fallout with the club last summer. A lucrative move to Inter Milan previously collapsed, while a potential transfer to French giants Paris Saint-Germain also fell through.
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