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African football expert Mamadou Gaye has raised questions about Ademola Lookman’s choice to move to Atlético Madrid.
He wondered why the Africa Cup of Nations star did not join Barcelona or Real Madrid, saying the winger is “not ambitious.”
After playing for Atalanta for three and a half seasons, where he scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists, making a total of 82 goal contributions in 137 matches across all competitions, Lookman joined Atlético Madrid on deadline day.
He signed a four-year contract that will take him through to the end of the 2029-30 season.
Lookman had a wonderful first appearance for the Rojiblancos on Thursday night, scoring a goal and also helping set up another, which inspired the team to beat Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey.
The player, who came up through the Charlton Athletic Academy and was recently named African Footballer of the Year, has become one of the most important forwards on the African continent in the past few years.
His performances at both club and international level have received widespread praise, raising expectations about the quality of club he should play for.
Gaye believes a player at Lookman’s level should be aiming for top European clubs and has a track record of performing well in the UEFA Champions League.
“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?
“No, he’s not ambitious,” Mamadou Gaye said on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa.
“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. Atlético are in third place in the standings, that’s exactly where they should be.
“When you are Lookman, you value yourself. African Player of the Year two seasons ago, you go to the very top. Which big club is Atlético Madrid?”
If Lookman makes his debut in the Spanish top flight on Sunday, the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner will break a record by becoming the first English-born player to appear in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
LaLiga: ‘You’re not ambitious’ – Gaye slams Ademola Lookman for joining Atletico Madrid
