Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was desperate for his side to bring in reinforcements before the end of the transfer window, and on deadline day Sporting Director Mateu Alemany delivered three new players. Midfielders Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza both arrived, but undoubtedly the most eye-catching signing was Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian forward gives Los Colchoneros more firepower, and provides a different type of forward for Simeone. In gambling terms, El Cholo is wearing his black suit to play blackjack online with a much stronger hand. Arriving from Atalanta, Lookman has cost Atletico €35m, and has signed a 4.5-year deal until 2030.

The Pros of signing Lookman

At 28 years of age, and around 18 months removed from his incredible hat-trick in the Europa League final, Lookman is at the peak of his career. Following his falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Lookman’s role was reduced at Atalanta, which means he will be much fresher than his teammates at this stage of the season. This year he has three goals and two assists in 1,240 minutes, but the prior season he scored 20 times and gave seven assists in his 40 appearances.

Lookman gives Atletico raw pace, something they were lacking in the final third, and an ability to go past a defender that only a few players in the squad have. Matteo Ruggeri or David Hancko have been behind Nicolas Gonzalez on the left for the most part, and Lookman certainly provides more ability one-on-one. He will also stretch the pitch vertically in order to provide more space for the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez.

The Cons of signing Lookman

The first and the most obvious downside is that his value is likely to decline as he reaches into his thirties. The chances of Atletico securing much of a sell-on fee for him are slim, meaning the signing will only be worthwhile if he makes the difference for them on the pitch. There is also some doubt over his best role in Simeone’s system.

Generally, Simeone has favoured a 4-4-2 this season, whereas Lookman has traditionally excelled off the left in a front three, or given freedom to pull to the left side. Equally, Lookman is not famed for his defensive work-rate, something Simeone places a premium on. Lookman can play in a front two, but rarely has he led the line, and both Griezmann and Alvarez prefer to play off a striker rather than be the main outlet.