Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta star, nearly finalized his transfer to Fenerbahce in the last few hours, before a major European club intervened and secured the deal.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian striker immediately agreed to join Atletico Madrid after the Spanish club entered into direct negotiations with him on Saturday.
Despite a near-agreement between Lookman and Fenerbahce, and the Turkish club offering a higher salary, the player preferred to remain in Europe’s top five leagues, choosing Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid officials reached an agreement with Atalanta to purchase the 28-year-old for €40 million, with the deal expected to be officially completed on Sunday evening.
Lookman had been seeking to leave Atalanta since last summer and was close to joining Inter Milan, but the Italian club’s management clearly refused to let him go at the last minute.
Since the beginning of January, Lookman has been trying to leave Atalanta after a tremendous career in Bergamo over the last 4 years, and he got what he wanted and will join Diego Simeone’s squad, where he will be guaranteed participation in the Champions League and playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world, the Spanish La Liga.
