'Osimhen is like a retired player' — Fans praise Lookman for rejecting Turkey after destroying Barcelona

Ademola Lookman’s excellent performance against Barcelona in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash has attracted praise from fans, some of whom referenced his near-move to the Turkish Super Lig in relation to Victor Osimhen.

The 27-year-old scored and provided an assist as Atletico Madrid pummelled Barcelona 4-0 at Wanda Metropolitano, taking his tally to four goal contributions in only three matches for his new club.

His excellent start to life in Madrid has opened him up to new fans, as he now plays in one of the most revered European leagues, reprising conversations about his national teammate Osimhen, who chose to play in Turkey in his prime.

“Look at the hype Ademola Lookman is getting for today's class between Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona,” X user @RodinSimi said. “I have never seen Victor Osimhen get the same hype when it's Galatasaray vs Fenerbahçe.

“You guys now understand the career choices sometimes makes you a great player. Osimhen is like a retired player because he's irrelevant unless he's playing a UCL game.”

Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray went head-to-head for the Super Eagles star's signature in the January transfer window, but the Yellow Canaries advanced further, reaching a verbal agreement with both Lookman and Atalanta for the transfer.

However, while Fenerbahçe stalled, negotiating a favourable payment structure with La Dea, Atlético Madrid swooped in. The LALIGA side had their first bid rejected but immediately went in with another, matching Atalanta's terms.

They also quickly reached agreement with Lookman on personal terms. Faced with offers from both Fenerbahce and Atletico, Lookman opted to join the Spanish giants, a move that has proven successful so far.