Nigeria star Ademola Lookman becomes the MOST expensive player in Serie A January transfer window

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman emerged as the priciest Serie A exit of the January 2026 transfer window, sealing a €35 million move from Atalanta to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

His transfer also ranked as the second-highest deadline day deal globally.

Serie A clubs were active throughout the window, with Lazio among the busiest. The Roman club generated nearly €60 million from player sales, including Taty Castellanos’ move to West Ham (€29m) and Matteo Guendouzi’s switch to Fenerbahce (€28m).

Lorenzo Lucca’s January activity drew attention for its complexity. Napoli acquired him outright from Udinese before immediately sending him on loan to Nottingham Forest with a €35 million option to buy. Combined, Lucca’s two deals this month could surpass €60 million in total value.

Top permanent Serie A sales in January 2026

• Ademola Lookman: Atalanta → Atletico Madrid (€35m)

• Taty Castellanos: Lazio → West Ham (€29m)

• Matteo Guendouzi: Lazio → Fenerbahce (€28m)

• Lorenzo Lucca: Udinese → Napoli (€26m)

• Tammy Abraham: Roma → Besiktas (€15m)

Notable loans with buy options

• Lorenzo Lucca: Napoli → Nottingham Forest (€35m option)

• Noa Lang: Napoli → Galatasaray (€28m option)

• Douglas Luiz: Juventus → Aston Villa (€25m option)

• Christos Mandas: Lazio → AFC Bournemouth (€18.5m option)

• Daniel Maldini: Atalanta → Lazio (€15.5m option)

• Marco Brescianini: Atalanta → Fiorentina (€10m option)

This transfer window highlighted Serie A’s growing influence in the international market, balancing high-value sales with strategic loan arrangements.