Lookman is a €120m player if Grealish and Wirtz are worth millions – Industry Machine fires strong Africa warning

 Nigerian rapper Odomodublvck, known as the "Industry Machine," has started a heated debate by declaring Super Eagles forward and 2024 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, a €120 million player. 

In a fiery post on X, the rapper compared Lookman’s valuation to high-profile stars like Jack Grealish and Florian Wirtz, urging Africa to recognise the Nigerian winger’s worth following his historic Europa League final performance. 

Odomodublvck’s bold statement comes amid swirling transfer rumours surrounding Lookman, who reported back for pre-season for Serie A club Atalanta. 

The 27-year-old forward made history in May 2024 by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. 

Notably, Lookman outshone Leverkusen’s star Wirtz in the match, a feat Odomodublvck highlighted in his passionate rant.

In his X post, Odomodublvck wrote, “ADEMOLA LOOKMAN IS A 120MILLION PLAYER IF WIRTZ IS AND GREALISH IS. CAUSE NON OF THEM ARE BANGING A HAT TRICK IN A FINAL.”

“MIND YOU, ADEMOLA BANGED IN THE HAT TRICK AGAINST LEVERKUSEN AND WIRTZ. AFRICA STOP SLEEPING AND WAKE THE F*CK UP. THEY ARE TRYING TO RUN US TO THE GROUND AND YOU GUYS DO NOT SEE IT.”

The rapper’s comparison draws on the hefty transfer fees commanded by Grealish, who moved to Manchester City for £100 million (€117 million) in 2021, and Wirtz, who recently completed a £116 million move to Liverpool. 

Odomodublvck argues that Lookman’s unique achievement in a major European final, combined with his impressive 2024 season, where he scored 17 goals and provided 9 assists in 45 appearances, justifies a similar valuation.

Lookman’s journey to stardom has been unconventional. Born in London to Nigerian parents, he began his career at Charlton Athletic before stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City. 

His move to Atalanta in 2022 for €15 million proved transformative, with the forward flourishing under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. 

His Europa League heroics earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination, a 14th-place finish in the 2024 rankings, and the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award.

Despite his achievements, transfer valuations for Lookman have been significantly lower than those for Grealish and Wirtz. 

Reports in 2024 suggested Atalanta valued him at €30 million, though more recent estimates place his market value at €50–70 million. 

Clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Atlético Madrid have been linked with the Nigerian star, but Odomodublvck’s €120 million figure reflects a growing sentiment that African players deserve valuations on par with their European counterparts.

His post also carried a broader message, accusing the global football industry of undervaluing African talent.