Ex-Everton defender questions strange decision by the Toffees

Former Everton defender Kevin Ratcliffe has said that it was “strange” that youngster Ademola Lookman ended up joining RB Leipzig on loan.

The 20-year-old ended up joining Leipzig from Germany despite heavy speculation linking him with a move to Championship outfit Derby County.

Lookman started life with the Bundesliga outfit on a good note last weekend as he scored the winner for Leipzig during their victory against Borussia Monchengladbach.

It was certainly surprising that Lookman went to Germany. Most Premier League clubs usually send their talented youngsters to lower-tier English clubs in order to garner more experience.

Ratcliffe said: “With Everton being battered at Arsenal, AdemolaLookman’s dramatic winner for RB Leipzig came at the worst possible time for the Blues.

“Lookman is a crowd favourite despite not being a regular. We have seen glimpses, and it’s clear he could become a good player.

“I can understand why Sam Allardyce wanted the player to go to Derby County on loan. Everton could have kept a close eye on him there.

“But with player agents having contacts all Europe, things have changed. I’m not sure what’s come up for Lookman to chance his arm at Leipzig, where he knows he won’t be first choice. It was a strange one.

“However, you have to admire him in the sense it’s quite a brave move. Plenty of young kids would have taken an easier option, whereas this is a bit more of a challenge. Hats off to the lad for wanting to do that.”