Ademola Lookman, the enigmatic Nigerian winger, has been making decent waves in the football world for the last couple of years.

2024, however, became a particularly stellar year for the attacking midfield wonder, marked by exceptional performances, crucial goals, and a growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the game in present times.

The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Thanks to impressive contributions to club and country, he was recognized as one of the top football talents this year.

The former Everton player has been notable for his instrumental impact on his national team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, especially their run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire early this year.

He gave an impressive performance that helped Nigeria reach the final of the tourney. Even beyond the shores of his home country and continent, he delivered what observers called “a sight for sore eyes” in Serie A and in Europe.

Ademola Lookman’s 2024: A Year of Dominance

January-March 2024:

The year started with Lookman, and he was already in fine form. The 27-year-old had enjoyed a brilliant entry into the year, having broken into the Super Eagles starting eleven not too long before that and he helped keep them in the thick of things during the country’s quest for glory.

Mola, as Ademola Lookman is fondly nicknamed by his goons.  He was a key player in Super Eagle’s success through the period in focus. His blistering pace, precise dribbling, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. He lit up the Eagles team, scoring three goals for them as they finished as runners-up in the AFCON 2023 competition final in February only losing 2-1 to the hosts.

Alongside scoring crucial goals, he provided critical build-up play and consistently created chances for his teammates, which led to his claiming a place in the competition’s team of the tournament.

His performances during this period earned him widespread praise from fans, pundits, and managers alike.

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April-June 2024:

As the season progressed, Lookman never dropped form; his impact only intensified. Upon his return to his club, Atalanta BC, he continued to score goals and create opportunities, helping his team maintain their position at the top end of the Serie A league table. His performances in high-pressure matches were awe-inspiring, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.

He also played a pivotal role in his team’s successful run in the domestic league title race and in their European competition, the Europa League, scoring important goals and providing crucial assists.

The apex of Lookman’s stellar season saw him win the Europa League, where he netted a hat-trick in the final. The Atalanta star moved to make history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final in May. This feat marked Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy win.

He extended his hand of success to his club, reaching the Coppa Italia final against Juventus and wrapping up his season with 17 goals and ten assists.

July-September 2024:

The summer transfer window brings a lot of speculation, and Lookman’s future wasn’t an exemption. A bunch of top clubs, including Arsenal and PSG, were found expressing interest in his services. However, he remained committed to his current club, Atalanta, and his performances in the early stages of the new season proved why he was so coveted.

He remained dominant, scoring goals, creating chances, and dictating the game’s tempo. His ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and deliver precise passes made him a joy to watch. No wonder why his market value jumped and exceeded €60 million.

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2024/25 Football Season Beginning Stages:

As the 2024/25 football year kicked in, Ademola Lookman’s reputation as a world-class talent was already firmly established, and it lit up like wildfire. He continued to shine for his club with distinction, scoring goals, providing assists, and leading his team to victory after victory.

This Nigerian whiz-kid recently delivered a top-drawer performance in Atalanta’s 6-1 win over Hellas Verona at the Gewiss Stadium, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The team scored five goals in the first half before adding a sixth in the second.

His performances in the international club stage have been equally impressive, as he kept propelling Atalanta forward. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in big moments has undeniably perked him as a valuable asset for the Italian club.

Lookman’s success undeniably saw him nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Asides his nomination, he was the only Nigerian, and African representative to achieve such a feat this year on the night.

The Atalanta star stood out as ranking 14th in a 30-player shortlist and proudly flying the flags of Nigeria, Africa, and his club.

This accomplishment marked another major highlight for Nigerian football, following Victor Osimhen’s 8th-place finish last year. His 14th-place finish now ranks among Nigerians’ top five best performances in the Ballon d’Or. Lookman and others in the running were nominated for their performances last season, both at the club and international levels.

Speaking on how it feels to be nominated for the prestigious award, the former Everton man had this to say:

“It’s special being on the list. I have achieved great things for club and country. It’s been a defining year of progress and steps taken, of which I’m very proud.

This is just the start. Great things come with hard work, so working hard is an important thing to me”

Ademola Lookman’s Future Laurels:

With his immense talent, youthful exuberance, and unwavering determination, Lookman’s future is undoubtedly pivoting him towards something else bright and big: the CAF Awards. He has the results that back him to become one of the greatest players on the African continent.

With five goals and five assists in nine games so far this season, Lookman’s strong performances are boosting his chances of winning the CAF award. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that his form will continue leading up to the December ceremony.

Having played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 AFCON, Lookman also carried his excellent form from last season into the new campaign, continuing to shine for Atalanta.

Lookman, for his part, shared his excitement after being nominated for the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award ceremony, which will take place in Morocco this December. He expressed his pride in the nomination:

“Being nominated for this award is special because it represents my country. I feel proud and know I must keep working hard for such honors to come.”

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Ademola Lookman’s Continued Impact on the Football World:

As we can see, Ademola Lookman’s 2024 has been a year to remember. His exceptional domestic and international performances have cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in the world. His football impact extends beyond his performances.

His exciting style of play also has captivated fans and inspired young players around the globe. His ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations has earned him the respect of his peers and managers. He has become a role model for aspiring footballers, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and talent can lead to great success.

As he matures and develops, the football world eagerly awaits the next chapter in his illustrious career. Whether he continues to shine for his current club or moves to a bigger club, one thing is sure: Ademola Lookman is here to stay.

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FAQs

1. What is Ademola Lookman’s nationality? Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer.
2. Which clubs have Ademola Lookman played for? Ademola Lookman has played for several clubs, including Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Leicester City, and Atalanta, his current club.
3. What is Ademola Lookman’s playing position? Ademola Lookman primarily plays as a winger but can also operate as a forward or attacking midfielder.
4. Has Ademola Lookman played for the England national team? Ademola Lookman has represented England at various youth levels and earned caps for the senior national team.
5. What are Ademola Lookman’s strengths as a footballer? Ademola Lookman’s strengths include his exceptional pace, dribbling ability, clinical finishing, and creativity in the final third.

Isaac Okoro, a name synonymous with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rebuild, is a young forward that has steadily grown into a critical player for the Cavaliers team. He has taken another significant step in his NBA career, having recently inked a new three-year contract extension, solidifying his future in Cleveland.

Okoro’s journey to the NBA began in Auburn, Alabama, where he showcased his athleticism and defensive prowess. He was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and immediately stepped into a starting role for the Cavaliers. Despite facing challenges as a rookie, Okoro’s potential was evident, and he quickly gained the trust of his teammates and coaches.

Midway through September 2024, Cleveland Cavaliers and restricted free agent forward Isaac Okoro agreed on a $38 million, three-year contract.

With his agreement, which came just over two weeks before the start of training camp, Okoro, 23, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft and Cleveland’s best perimeter defender, became the final restricted free agent available, ending a busy and successful summer for the Cavaliers.

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Cleveland Cavaliers’ Decision: Factors Influencing the Contract Extension

The 2024 NBA offseason was filled with excitement and uncertainty. The trades and free agency moves reshaped the league landscape and created new contenders for the championship. While the Eastern Conference appeared particularly competitive, the Western Conference had several teams capable of making a deep playoff run. As the new season gradually approached, the focus was on how these moves would impact the NBA teams’ fortunes and whether any new contenders began to emerge swiftly.

However, prior to that, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, rumors circulated that the Brooklyn Nets “expressed interest” in signing and trading for the Cavaliers player.

Since the beginning of the summer, Okoro’s restricted free agency status has shadowed Cleveland, and the Nets had previously expressed interest in the former No. 5 pick. According to Scotto, the Charlotte Hornets considered dealing for Okoro as well.

Imaginations in far-away Brooklyn saw Okoro likely getting a better opportunity to flesh out his offensive skill set. However, that move might not have extracted the most value from the 23-year-old swingman.

For at least the start of the season, it seems like the Nets’ rotation at the two and 3-man spots — where Okoro would have theoretically slotted in — will revolve around Cam Thomas, Johnson, Finney-Smith and Bojan Bogdanovic, with Williams, Shake Milton and maybe Dariq Whitehead towards the end of the campaign competing to crack the rotation.

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However, according to Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto, the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets were reportedly engaging in a potential sign-and-trade move for Okoro before he struck a deal to stay in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers, without further ado, then decided to extend Okoro’s contract, which was claimed to be influenced by several factors. First and foremost, Okoro has shown significant growth since being drafted. His defensive abilities were a huge cornerstone for the team’s strategy, and he had also made meaningful strides in his offensive game.

Additionally, the Cavaliers’ front office believes that Okoro has the potential to become an even more impactful player in the future. His age, athleticism, and work ethic make him a valuable asset to the organization.

Now, before falling to eventual champion Boston Celtics, but with a 48-34 record at the end of the regular season, the Cavs were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and did defeat Orlando in the first round of the playoffs. 23-year-old 6-foot-5 forward Isaac Okoro, who played in 69 games, 42 of which were starts, averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds and hit a career-high 39.1% from three-point range on more than three attempts per game for the Cavaliers last season. Suffice it to say that this warranted an offer for his return to Cleveland.

Also, superstar guard Donovan Mitchell (three years, $150 million), young cornerstone Evan Mobley (five years, $224 million), and center Jarrett Allen (three years, $91 million) all signed hefty deal extensions with Cleveland. In addition, the Cavaliers brought Kenny Atkinson from the Golden State Warriors to take J.B. Bickerstaff’s coaching position.

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Impact on the Cavaliers: Strengthening the Core and Future Prospects

Okoro’s contract extension is a positive development for the Cavaliers. It solidifies their young core and provides a foundation for future success. With players like Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Collin Sexton already in place, the Cavaliers have a talented group of young players who can form the backbone of their franchise for years to come.

On June 29, the Cavaliers extended a $11.83 million qualifying offer, which Okoro turned down before the Nets and Hornets showed interest. The parties can agree to a new contract before the window closes on October 1 to keep Okoro in Cleveland for the remainder of the current season and beyond.

As soon as the news leaked, Scotto described Okoro’s contract as having limited compensation based on the team’s performance. “Okoro declined his qualifying offer to try to win a title and help keep core together.”

Following speculation that the Cavaliers may trade Okoro before the new season, the two parties were amid multiyear negotiations when Okoro’s three-year agreement was officially announced in August, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

Furthermore, the contract extension sends a strong message to other free agents that the Cavaliers are committed to building a winning team. It demonstrates their stability and their ability to attract top talent.

Fan Reactions and Expectations: Anticipation and Support for Okoro

The news of Okoro’s contract extension was met with excitement and support from Cavaliers fans. Many fans have been impressed with his development and believe that he has the potential to be a star in the NBA.

There is a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s future, and Okoro’s contract extension is a significant factor in that optimism. Fans are eager to see him continue to grow and contribute to the team’s success.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

In conclusion, Isaac Okoro’s new contract extension marks an essential milestone in his NBA career. It solidifies his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers and gives the team a valuable piece of their young core.

As Okoro continues to develop his skills, he has the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Cavaliers. With a bright future ahead, fans can expect to see him significantly impact the team’s success for many years.

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FAQs

1. How long has Isaac Okoro’s new contract been?

1. • The contract is expected to be a three-year deal.

1. What is the average annual salary of Isaac Okoro’s new contract?

1. • The specific financial details of the contract have not been publicly disclosed.

1. Does Isaac Okoro’s new contract include any incentives?

1. • The contract may include incentives, but the details still need to be confirmed.

1. How does Isaac Okoro’s contract extension impact the Cavaliers’ future?

1. • The extension solidifies the team’s young core and provides a foundation for future success.

1. How do Cavaliers fans feel about Isaac Okoro’s contract extension?

1. • Fans are generally excited and supportive of the extension, believing that Okoro has the potential to be a star in the NBA.

A French Olympian from London has joined a former Burnley manager in one of the biggest summer deals.

Put that another way, “Michael Olise, a winger for Crystal Palace, has just signed a contract with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for a fee of £50 million (60 million euros) and will play under former Manchester City and Belgian captain Vincent Kompany”.

Those were the words that made the headlines across the rounds within football news.

22-year-old Michael Olise became Bayern’s fourth most expensive signing ever, following France full-back Lucas Hernandez, £86.4 million England captain Harry Kane, and Netherlands center-back Matthijs de Ligt.

Michael Olise is a name that steadily grew in prominence in Premier League football during his time at Crystal Palace. Last season, the attacker’s rise continued apace as he impressed with 10 Premier League goals and six assists in 19 appearances playing under former Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner, despite spending significant time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, yet still showcasing his immense potential for the club.During the summer transfer window ushering in the 2024/25 football season, Olise unexpectedly switched from the Premier League to join Bavarian giants Bayern Munich despite heavy interest from London giants Chelsea and Manchurian juggernauts Manchester City.

The transfer fee was substantial when Bayern Munich made a bold move to secure Olise’s signature. Still, the Bavarian club was confident that Olise would be a valuable addition to their squad. And so far, it already shows they were right.

Olise, who moved to Bavaria, said: “The talks with Bayern were very positive, and I’m thrilled to be now playing for such a big club. It’s a great challenge, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring that we win as many titles as possible with our team in the coming years.” 

With his exceptional talent, versatility, and unwavering determination, Olise has already hit the ground running and quickly become a vital asset to watch at Bayern Munich.

His ability to create chances, score goals, and provide assists is fast, making him a fan favorite. His new performance pedestal has earned him a call-up to the French national team, which he missed out on for the Euros that had just concluded in Germany.

Michael Olise Performance Statistics for Bayern Munich

Michael Olise has made a fast impact since joining Bayern Munich. He has quickly established himself as a key player in the team. His performances have been nothing short of top-drawer, and he has seamlessly integrated into Coach Vincent Kompany’s playing style.

To truly appreciate Michael Olise’s impact on Bayern Munich, it is essential to delve deeper into his tactical role, style of play and outputs so far.

Olise’s impact on Bayern Munich is already evident in several ways. Firstly, his goal-scoring and assist numbers are one tally to look out for, most likely to be impressive. He has a knack for finding the back of the net and creating opportunities for his teammates. His vision, passing accuracy, and dribbling skills have contributed to his success.

His tactical role and style of play remain unchanged from his time at Selhurst Park. Olise is a player who thrives on space. He is quick, agile, and has excellent ball control, which helps him primarily play as a winger under Vincent Kompany. His sharp versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems and play in various positions upfield, and he is also still capable of operating as an attacking midfielder.

He still embodies that capability of beating defenders with his pace and skill and always looks to create scoring chances. Olise, within the 75 minutes of Bundesliga playing time he has accrued so far for Bayern Munich in his first time out in the season, has attempted 31 passes with 24 completed, giving the 22-year-old a 77.4% pass success rate. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and cutbacks is a significant asset. He has a 100% on his long pass accuracy rate and has created five goal-scoring chances.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Olise has shown his defensive capabilities. He is one hard-working player who is always willing to track back and help his teammates in defense. His defensive awareness and tackling ability are already stacking numbers in helping Bayern Munich maintain a solid defensive structure with two clearances, one interception and 0 referee card bookings.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said this about Olise: “(If) he’s allowed to express himself, he’s going to be a superstar. He’s that good. I remember watching him at the Etihad a couple of seasons ago. It’s not just his dribbling; it’s his decision-making: when to lay off the ball, and his first touch is sublime. Yeah, he’s going to the very top.” 

Regarding team dynamics and chemistry, Olise has already fit seamlessly into the Bayern Munich squad. He has formed strong partnerships with his teammates, and his presence has undoubtedly raised the level of play for the entire team. His positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm have created a great atmosphere within the dressing room.

Michael Olise vs Arjen Robben

It is often difficult to compare players from different eras, but Olise’s style of play bears some resemblance to former Bayern Munich great Arjen Robben. Like the Dutch legend, Olise is a winger capable of beating defenders with his pace and skill. Like he did for Crystal Palace, Olise playing on the right wing for Bayern Munich would make him similar to the legendary Arjen Robben of Bayern today, who also enjoyed cutting in to shoot with his left foot.

However, Olise still has the unique qualities that set him apart.

Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner gave his take after Olise netted a brilliant brace in a 4-0 win against Manchester United at the end of 2023/24, saying: “I said, ‘maybe try the near post and maybe then the goalkeepers are surprised,’ and in this situation, he shot near post and scored.” 

Cynics will want to compare apples with apples. It is fair to try weighing a player’s strengths and weaknesses, but without exaggeration, Olise’s strengths are numerous and outnumber his weaknesses by miles apart. His pace, dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability are all attributes that make him a top-class player. However, like any player, Olise has areas where he can improve. His decision-making can sometimes be erratic and, in a few attempts, can be wasteful in possession.

Despite his obvious talent, Olise is still a relatively young player. There is undoubtedly room for him to improve. With continued development and experience, Olise has the potential to become one of the best players in the league.

The Future of Michael Olise at Bayern Munich is nothing short of clear and bright blue skies for the French star at the club, and the club, in return, is committed to him. Every indication indicates he is happy and fast settling in for the Germans.

Michael Olise has the potential to significantly contribute to Bayern Munich’s success in the coming years. His talent and versatility are invaluable assets; he can win trophies at the highest level.

Given Olise’s exceptional talent and the fact that it is becoming inevitable that he will remain a crucial part of their long-term plans,

Michael Olise is fast establishing himself as a rising star and the new best thing for Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga. His performances for Bayern Munich have been impressive, and he has shown that he has the potential to become one of the best players for the club and in the league.

His impact on Bayern Munich has been significant already. He has brought a new dimension to the team’s attacking play, and his presence has undoubtedly raised the level of competition within the squad.

As Olise continues to develop, there is no doubt that he will play a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s future success. The Bavarian giants have a talented young player, and they hope he can fulfil his potential.

Bayern Munich will undoubtedly try to retain Olise’s long-term future at the club. A contract extension will likely be a priority for the Bavarian giants thanks to his potential and impact on the club’s success.

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Michael Olise…. Cherishing Enough at Crystal Palace and Ignoring More from Chelsea 

Michael Olise— The Crystal Palace FC and English Premier League Swashbuckler

FAQs

1. What is Michael Olise’s playing position?
   • Michael Olise primarily plays as a winger, but he is also capable of operating as an attacking midfielder.
2. How much did Bayern Munich pay for Michael Olise?
   • The transfer fee for Michael Olise was substantial, with the exact fee of £50 million (60 million euros) as officially disclosed.
3. Who are some of Michael Olise’s key teammates at Bayern Munich?
   • Michael Olise has formed strong partnerships with several key players at Bayern Munich, including Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane.
4. Has Michael Olise won any trophies with Bayern Munich?
   • As of now, Michael Olise has not won any trophies with Bayern Munich. However, he has the potential to contribute to the club’s future success.
5. What are Michael Olise’s long-term goals in his football career?
   • Michael Olise’s long-term goals likely include winning major trophies with Bayern Munich and representing the French football team at the highest level.