Oliseh backs Lookman’s La Liga switch over Osimhen’s money move to Galatasaray

Former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has welcomed Ademola Lookman’s decision to join Atletico Madrid, afrik-foot.com reports.

Oliseh says the Nigerian winger made a smart career choice by opting for Spanish football over a more lucrative move to Turkey.

Lookman completed his transfer from Serie A side Atalanta to Atletico earlier this week, sealing a move that places him in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

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The Nigeria international had been strongly linked with Fenerbahçe, who believed they were close to securing his signature similar to when Galatasaray successfully landed Victor Osimhen on a permanent deal last summer.

Turkish clubs had grown confident of attracting top Nigerian stars, especially after Osimhen’s switch from Napoli failed to materialise into a Premier League move due to reported wage demands that English clubs were unwilling to meet.

But while Fenerbahçe were prepared to offer Lookman a higher salary package, the forward chose Atletico Madrid instead. It is a decision Oliseh believes will pay greater dividends in the long run.

“We are all professionals, we want money,” Oliseh said on his latest podcast. “But the mistake people make is that they are looking at the money he’s going to make in one year. This man didn’t sign for one year, he signed for some years. And there are other kinds of money that comes that you don’t hear in the contract. You are hearing just wages. Your image rights is higher when you are playing in the Spanish league than when you are playing in the Turkish league.

“Lookman going to that league is more important for football than money. Because at the stage he is in his career now, what he should be chasing now is titles and consistent money. Make money consistently, and win titles.

“And at the end of the day, you can always go to the Turkish league when you are 32, or 35. You can always go the Saudi Arabia league, with all due respect, when you are 35. Ronaldo is there, he is 40.”

Oliseh: Lookman’s Atletico move good for Nigeria

Oliseh went on to describe Lookman’s arrival at Atletico Madrid as a major leap forward, not just for the player, but for Nigerian football as a whole.

He pointed to the club’s regular participation in the UEFA Champions League as a major factor that enhances both sporting growth and long-term financial rewards.

“Looking at it, Atletico Madrid plays almost every year in the UEFA Champions League,” Oliseh said.

“The bonuses from championship are huge, the Spanish league pays well, you are not going there to earn poorly.

“The tax system is good and allows players to do well. The cost of living is cheaper.

“This man is going to do well financially whether you like it or not. If you’ve never played in a top club you will never know the impact of a top club in your life.

“I am blessed to have played in three top clubs so when you play in a top club you become big and that is what Atletico Madrid is.“

Oliseh believes the move sends a powerful message to young Nigerian players about aiming for Europe’s elite leagues.

“It is a boost for Nigeria’s football and now, more young players can hope and dream of going to these top leagues,” he said.

Lookman has already taken part in his first training sessions with his new teammates and is expected to make his Atletico Madrid debut when the club face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.