Ademola Lookman's big-money move to Atlético Madrid isn't sitting well with everyone. African football expert Mamadou Gaye has come out swinging, questioning why the newly crowned African Footballer of the Year didn't aim higher.
Gaye's main gripe? He thinks Lookman should have joined Barcelona or Real Madrid instead. The expert didn't hold back, flat-out saying the Nigerian winger is "not ambitious" for choosing Atlético.
Let's look at what Lookman brings to the table. He spent three and a half brilliant seasons at Atalanta, racking up 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 games across all competitions. That's 82 goal contributions - seriously impressive numbers. On deadline day, he signed a four-year deal with Atlético that runs through the 2029-30 season.
His debut couldn't have gone better. Lookman scored and grabbed an assist as Atlético demolished Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night. The Rojiblancos looked unstoppable with their new signing firing on all cylinders.
Why the Criticism?
Gaye didn't mince words on SuperSport's Soccer Africa. "Why didn't he join Real Madrid and Barcelona, what is he doing with Atlético Madrid? What have they won? Have they won the Champions League?" he asked pointedly.
The expert continued his critique: "When you join a club, it's all about winning in Europe, not just finishing in the middle of the table every year. Real Madrid and Barcelona are the top two clubs; all the others are just filling in the spots, like Atlético Madrid."
Gaye believes someone with Lookman's pedigree - a former Charlton Athletic academy graduate who won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup - deserves to play at the absolute highest level. He thinks the African Player of the Year should be aiming for clubs with proven Champions League-winning records.
A Historic Achievement Awaits
Despite the criticism, Lookman is about to make history. If he plays in La Liga on Sunday, he'll become the first English-born player ever to appear in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A. That's a pretty exclusive club.
For bettors watching Atlético this season, Lookman's arrival changes the equation. His instant impact suggests he could be a major factor in their push for silverware. With Diego Simeone now having another attacking weapon, Atlético's odds for domestic cup success and Champions League progression might look more attractive. The 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis shows what this team can do when firing on all cylinders.
