Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will wear the number 22 shirt for his new club, Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old was officially unveiled by the Spanish giants after completing a €40 million transfer from Atalanta on deadline day.
Lookman has already begun training with his new teammates and is in contention to make his debut in Atletico’s upcoming Copa del Rey quarter-final match against Real Betis.
The Nigerian international joins after a successful three-and-a-half-year spell in Italy, where he scored 55 goals in 137 appearances, most notably netting a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final.
Key Points:
The assignment of a squad number formalizes Lookman’s integration into the Atletico Madrid first-team setup.
Wearing number 22, a midfield-oriented number in Spanish football, may hint at his expected role as a wide attacker or second striker in Diego Simeone’s system.
His imminent potential debut underscores the club’s immediate need for his attacking qualities as they compete in cup and league competitions.
The transition from Serie A to the physical and tactical demands of La Liga represents the next major challenge in his career progression.
His signing continues the trend of Nigerian players making high-profile moves to top European leagues, reinforcing the country’s export reputation.
Lookman’s number assignment and swift involvement in training signal Atletico’s intention to utilize him quickly as they aim to strengthen their attack for the season’s decisive phase.
Sources: Official club announcement and reports from Atletico Madrid.
