Ademola Lookman: Sunday Oliseh hails Atletico Madrid move

Former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has hailed Ademola Lookman’s move to one of Spanish big boys Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window.

The 2024 African Footballer of the Year signed for the Madrid based club in a deal reportedly valued at €35 million, with an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons.

 

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The 28-year-old arrives at Atletico with a rich experience from Italian Serie A where guided Atalanta to the EUROPA League in 2024.

He previously played for Everton, RB Leipzig

Sunday Oliseh, who played for Ajax, Juventus and Dortmund, believes that Lookman made a right move that could “save” Nigerian football.

“This transfer might just have saved Nigerian football from my own experience from the trade and my experience at this level has been 35-years now, he might have saved Nigerian football,” Sunday Oliseh told GNB Official.

“Atletico Madrid every year, almost every year religiously in the Champions League [and] the bonuses from champions League are huge. The Spanish league pays well, you are not going there to earn poorly.

“Tax system in Spain allows you, the cost of living in Spain is cheaper [and] this man is going to do well financially [and] if you have never played in a top club, you will never know the impact of a top club in your life.

“When you play in a big club you become big and that’s what Atletico Madrid is [and] this boy going to Atletico Madrid has just saved our football in the sense that now players can now start to hope and dream of going to these leagues.”

Lookman, whose glittering performance saw him score 55 times and providing 27 assists at Atalanta, played a key role in Nigeria’s third place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January.

He previously played for Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham FC and Leicester City after cutting his teeth at Charlton Athletic.

Ademola Lookman Atletico Madrid Move Praised by Sunday Oliseh

Sunday Oliseh’s praise of Ademola Lookman’s transfer to Atletico Madrid reflects a broader belief that the move could redefine perceptions of Nigerian footballers at the elite European level. According to the former Super Eagles captain, joining a club of Atletico’s stature goes beyond individual success and sends a powerful message to younger players across Nigeria.

Oliseh emphasized that consistent exposure to Champions League football is one of the biggest advantages of Lookman’s decision. Atletico Madrid’s regular presence in Europe’s premier club competition not only enhances a player’s visibility but also accelerates personal and professional growth. Competing against the best teams and players sharpens mentality, discipline, and tactical understanding.

From Oliseh’s perspective, the financial aspect of the move is equally important. Playing in La Liga offers strong earning potential, while Spain’s tax structure and cost of living provide additional benefits. These factors, combined with Atletico’s competitive environment, create ideal conditions for sustained success.

Why Atletico Madrid Is the Right Platform for Lookman

Atletico Madrid’s reputation under Diego Simeone is built on intensity, tactical discipline, and mental resilience—qualities that align well with Ademola Lookman’s playing style. Known for his pace, directness, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, Lookman arrives with a profile well suited to the demands of the club.

His experience in Serie A, where he played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024, has prepared him for the physical and tactical challenges of Spanish football. That European success demonstrated his ability to perform consistently on big stages, something Atletico value highly.

The €35 million transfer fee, along with performance-based add-ons, underlines the club’s confidence in Lookman’s ability to make an immediate impact. Atletico see him not just as a squad player, but as a key attacking asset capable of influencing domestic and continental competitions.

A Symbol of Hope for Nigerian Football

Oliseh’s comments about Lookman “saving” Nigerian football should be understood in a symbolic sense. For years, Nigerian players have often been linked with mid-table European sides rather than traditional powerhouses. Lookman’s move challenges that trend and restores belief that Nigerian talents can thrive at elite clubs.

Younger players can now point to Lookman as proof that strong performances in Europe’s top leagues can lead to moves to clubs competing for major trophies. This renewed sense of possibility could inspire a new generation to aim higher and prepare more rigorously for top-level football.

International Impact and AFCON Pedigree

Beyond club football, Lookman’s rise has also strengthened the Super Eagles. His contributions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco were instrumental in Nigeria’s third-place finish. Combining club excellence with international consistency has elevated his status as one of Africa’s most complete attackers.

With Atletico Madrid’s platform, Lookman is expected to further enhance his leadership and influence within the national team. Regular Champions League exposure can only sharpen his edge ahead of future AFCON tournaments and World Cup qualifiers.

A Defining Chapter Ahead

Ademola Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid represents a defining chapter in his career—one that blends ambition, opportunity, and responsibility. As Sunday Oliseh highlighted, success at a top club has ripple effects that extend far beyond one player.

If Lookman delivers on expectations in Madrid, his journey could mark a turning point, not just for himself, but for how Nigerian footballers are perceived and valued across Europe.