Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has applauded Ademola Lookman’s move to Atlético Madrid, describing the transfer as a smart career decision motivated by footballing ambition rather than immediate financial gain.
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Lookman, who recently completed a switch to the Spanish giants, is expected to make his debut for Diego Simeone’s side later today when Atlético Madrid face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.
Reacting to the transfer, Oliseh emphasised that long-term career growth and elite-level exposure often outweigh short-term financial considerations.
According to the former Nigeria international, players sometimes focus excessively on annual wages while overlooking the broader professional and financial benefits of playing at the highest level.
“We are all professionals, we want money. But the mistake people make is that they are looking at the money he’s going to make in one year,” Oliseh said.
“This man didn’t sign for one year, he signed for some years. And there are other kinds of money that come that you don’t hear in the contract.”
Oliseh also highlighted the commercial advantages of competing in La Liga, noting that global visibility and image rights opportunities are significantly enhanced in Spain.
“You are hearing just wages. Your image rights are higher when you are playing in the Spanish league than when you are playing in the Turkish league,” he added.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder further noted that Lookman’s decision aligns with the current stage of his career, where competing for major honours should take priority.
“Him going to that league is more important football than money. Because at the stage he is in his career now, what he should be chasing is titles and consistent money. Make money consistently and win titles,” Oliseh stated.
Oliseh also pointed out that lucrative leagues such as Turkey or Saudi Arabia remain viable options later in a player’s career, when priorities often shift.
“At the end of the day, you can always go to the Turkish league when you are 32 or 35. You can always go to the Saudi Arabia league, with all due respect, when you are 35. Ronaldo is there, he is 40.”
Lookman’s anticipated Copa del Rey outing against Real Betis could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Super Eagles forward as he looks to establish himself at one of Europe’s most competitive clubs.
