Akin Ayomide
Two of Turkey’s biggest clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, are preparing for a fierce January transfer window showdown as they intensify efforts to sign Nigeria international Ademola Lookman.
Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta has deteriorated sharply in recent months, and the 28-year-old winger, one of Serie A’s standout performers last season, has found himself increasingly frustrated in Bergamo after Atalanta blocked a move to Inter Milan in the summer.
Inter offered €45m, but Atalanta insisted on €50m, a stance that reportedly angered the player. Tensions rose further when Lookman briefly walked out of training and left the club’s facility, before later returning to the squad.
His frustration reached a boiling point during Atalanta’s Champions League match against Marseille on November 5, when he was involved in a heated touchline exchange with former manager Ivan Juric. Juric has since been dismissed by Atalanta, but it is a development that is unlikely to change Lookman’s affection for the club.
Lookman’s contract runs until June 2027, giving Atalanta a strong negotiating position, but the player is believed to be pushing for a fresh start elsewhere. Whether Atalanta will sanction a sale in January remains uncertain, especially with the winger set to join Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations later in December.
Beyond Turkey, European interest remains strong. Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, who both attempted to sign Lookman during the summer, are preparing fresh January approaches, according to Teamtalk.
Reports in both Italy and Turkey suggest Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have stepped up their interest. Galatasaray view Lookman as a marquee addition who could link up with Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, while Fenerbahçe have monitored him for months and even submitted an offer shortly after Italy’s summer transfer window closed, a bid Atalanta rejected immediately.
However, according to Gala insider Burhan Can Terzi, the Turkish giants are holding back in their pursuit due to concerns about the player’s recent performances.
“Galatasaray’s football management has some concerns regarding Lookman’s recent performances. Lookman’s performance in the recent matches hasn’t been well-received. Galatasaray might go for a name ahead of Lookman as well,” Terzi said in quotes relayed via Forza Climbom, a Turkish football account on X.
Lookman, who scored 15 goals plus five assists last season, has not been on the same level this term. He has just one goal in seven appearances in Serie A, having never failed to hit double figures of goals in the last three seasons at Atalanta.
Although Lookman is expected to be further reintegrated into the squad under new coach Raffaele Palladino, Atalanta’s hierarchy will assess his form and attitude over the coming weeks before deciding whether to reopen transfer negotiations.
Galatasaray are considered firm favorites if they decide to proceed, fueled by reports they have offered Lookman a lucrative €9m-per-year contract. The Nigerian is said to be open to the move and particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of teaming up with Osimhen at Rams Park, where Galatasaray plan to build a Nigerian-led attacking force.