Adios Ademola: Lookman leaves after making history at Atalanta | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman has left Atalanta after a transformative spell, joining Atletico Madrid. According to Football Italia, his exit is a major blow for Bergamo.

The London-born Nigeria international first broke through at Charlton nearly a decade ago, then stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester brought flashes without consistency. He finally found the right fit in 2022 as his 25th birthday neared.

Under Gian Piero Gasperini, now gone to Roma, Lookman became a mainstay and a far more regular scorer. His close control and emphatic finishing helped turn La Dea into a continental cult favourite.

His pinnacle was the Europa League final against a Bayer Leverkusen side that had looked unstoppable. Gasperini’s plan and a tireless team display had Lookman at its heart, and his hat-trick sealed his place in Atalanta folklore.

Things then became less smooth and exit rumours swirled, yet when in rhythm he remained central to the attack. He signed off with more than 50 goals in fewer than 140 games and nearly 30 assists, exceptional numbers for a non-striker.

The end of the Gasperini era always hinted at churn. Lookman now tests himself in La Liga with Atletico Madrid, where he becomes one star among many.

He has the tools to thrive and, after a longer apprenticeship, blossomed in Italy to claim African Player of the Year in 2024. Back in Bergamo, Raffaele Palladino starts a new cycle and the club’s scouts will search for another gem.

Source: Football Italia