Ademola Lookman hailed after eclipsing Costa and Torres as Atlético Madrid’s best January signing

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has made a statement few winter arrivals in Madrid can match, outperforming the early impact of club icons and drawing glowing praise from former Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amoo.

After only a handful of months at Atlético Madrid, Lookman’s output has already eclipsed the initial returns of Diego Costa and Fernando Torres, reinforcing the belief that the Spanish club may have secured one of its most effective mid-season transfers in recent years.

Signed from Atalanta BC during the January 2026 window, the Nigeria international has seamlessly adapted to life under Diego Simeone.

His tally of eight goals and four assists in just 22 appearances highlights a player who has wasted little time asserting himself in a demanding tactical system.

Lookman’s impact has been felt across competitions. He introduced himself emphatically in the Copa del Rey with a goal and assist in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis, before delivering another goal involvement masterclass against FC Barcelona in a dominant semi-final first-leg victory.

He also found the net in the final against Real Sociedad, though Atlético ultimately fell short on penalties.

His influence has extended into Europe and the league campaign. A decisive strike in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona proved pivotal in Atlético’s progression, while a composed finish against CA Osasuna underlined his growing authority in La Liga.

“I have no doubt that Lookman will succeed in La Liga, going by what he has done at Atalanta.

“I am also not surprised with his impressive display for Atletico Madrid despite arriving in the January transfer window.

“He has indeed shown that he can excel in any league, and based on what he has done this season for Atletico Madrid, I believe his best will be on display when the new season commences.”

Beyond the eye test, the numbers strengthen his case. Lookman’s average of a goal involvement every 104 minutes surpasses Costa’s return of one every 133 minutes during his 2018 comeback spell.

The Nigerian has also overtaken the early contributions of Costa and Torres following their respective winter arrivals, setting a new benchmark for mid-season signings at the club.

The €35 million deal, with an additional €5 million in add-ons negotiated by sporting director Mateu Alemany, is already being viewed as astute business.

It builds on Lookman’s prolific spell in Italy, where he amassed 50 goals and 21 assists in 109 appearances and delivered a historic hat-trick against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

Having carried that momentum into Spain, Lookman appears far from his ceiling. If his current trajectory continues, Atlético may yet see an even more decisive version of the forward when a full season allows him to refine his influence further.