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, Soccernet.ng reports.
It is an open secret that Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta has deteriorated sharply in recent months.
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 last summer. Inter offered €45 million, but Atalanta insisted on €50 million, 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 boiling point during Atalanta’s Champions League match against Marseille on 5 November, when he was involved in a heated touchline exchange with former manager Ivan Juric. Ivan 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.
Reports in both Italy 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.
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.
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Atletico Madrid and Spurs renew push as Galatasaray lead the race
Beyond Turkey, European interest remains strong, according to Teamtalk. Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, who both attempted to sign Lookman during the summer, are preparing fresh January approaches.
However, Galatasaray are considered firm favourites, fuelled by reports they have offered Lookman a lucrative €9 million-per-year contract.
Lookman 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.
Atalanta, meanwhile, could soften their stance. The club might lower their €50 million valuation if Lookman’s recent form fails to improve. The coaching staff remain hopeful he will respond positively under Palladino, but internal discussions indicate that a January sale is increasingly considered a realistic option.