‘What is he doing with Atlético’ - African football analyst criticises Lookman for not going to Real Madrid or Barcelona

Lookman secured a transfer to Atlético on deadline day, signing a four-year contract that runs until the 2029-30 season.

The move came after a successful three-and-a-half-year spell at Atalanta, where he amassed an impressive 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 appearances.

The Super Eagles star made an immediate impact for his new club, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a dominant 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Betis on his debut.

Gaye questioned the ambition behind the transfer, claiming that a player of Lookman's stature, who was named African Footballer of the Year less than two years ago, should be playing for a club with a consistent history of winning Europe's top prize.

"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,” Gaye stated on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa program.

"When you move to a club, it is to conquer Europe, not to finish third or fourth every year. Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two clubs; the others are just making up the numbers, like Atlético Madrid. Atlético are currently third on the table — that is where they belong."

"When you are Lookman, you value yourself. African Player of the Year two seasons ago, you go to the very top. Which huge club is Atlético Madrid?"

Lookman, a key figure for the Nigerian national team, has become one of Africa's most prominent attackers in recent years, leading to high expectations regarding his career trajectory.