Transfer market: Atlético sets the stage on fire!

After a quiet month, Atlético Madrid suddenly stepped up its game on the last day of the winter transfer window. In just a few hours, the Spanish club secured the signing of Ademola Lookman while pushing forward with two major deals in midfield, without however managing to close them. For now.

After several weeks of weak signals, Atlético Madrid chose its moment. A moment when the coffers are full, opportunities are scarce, and every decision counts double. The result: a strong offensive move and a midfield still under construction.

Lookman, it’s a done deal

The imminent official announcement of Ademola Lookman marks a turning point. Courted for months, the Nigerian striker will (finally) leave Atalanta for around €40 million, giving Diego Simeone a player who is immediately ready to play. With his pace, ability to attack deep and performance in big games, the Super Eagle ticks all the boxes for a reinforcement designed for both the short term and sporting continuity.

A flashy transfer, made possible by several sales in recent weeks. The Colchoneros managed to recoup €77 million through the sales of Conor Gallagher (€40 million), Giacomo Raspadori (€22 million) and the deferred sale of Rodrigo De Paul (€15 million). This provided sufficient margin to make a move without jeopardising the club’s financial stability and, above all, to address a long-standing need in the attacking department.

Two midfielders agree to join, but…

While the attack has found its solution, the midfield remains a source of friction. Sporting CP’s €40 million offer for Morten Hjulmand has been rejected, despite an internal agreement and a situation that has become explosive, to the point that the Dane has not been called up for the league. In Bergamo, Atalanta has also temporarily closed the door on an immediate departure for Éderson, preferring to postpone a possible sale until the summer.

These two refusals keep Atlético under pressure with just a few hours to go before the transfer window closes. The means are there, discussions are at an advanced stage, but the obstacles have not yet been completely removed. While the Hjulmand and Éderson cases remain complex, one of them could still evolve between now and the end of the transfer window, in a context where the Rojiblancos have clearly shown their ability to accelerate. It looks set to be a long day at the Metropolitano.