Atalanta are unwilling to negotiate below a fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, as interest intensifies from Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.
According to top Turkish transfer expert, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu has revealed tha comes amid growing speculation across Turkish and Italian media linking the Super Eagles star with a move away from Bergamo, despite Atalanta’s firm negotiating stance.
Galatasaray’s Earlier Agreement That Never Happened
According to Sabuncuoğlu, Galatasaray had already reached an agreement with Lookman in September over a proposed loan move that included a €55 million purchase option.
However, the deal ultimately collapsed at boardroom level.
Club president, Dursun Aydın Özbek is reported to have decided against pursuing the transfer, choosing instead to retain winger Barış Alper Yılmaz by offering him a new and improved contract.
That decision effectively ended Galatasaray’s immediate pursuit of Lookman, although the club continues to monitor the situation.
Fenerbahçe Step Up the Pressure
While Galatasaray cooled their interest, Fenerbahçe have moved aggressively.
Turkish journalist, Bersan Taskaya reports that the Istanbul club are preparing an offer structured as a €5 million loan fee with a €30 million mandatory purchase option.
Fenerbahçe president, Sadettin Saran is said to be personally invested in the deal and is expected to take part in direct talks with Atalanta.
Should Saran succeed, Lookman would become the first marquee signing of his presidency, a move that would send a strong message of intent both domestically and in Europe.
A Turbulent Relationship between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta
Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta has not been straightforward. The winger was determined to leave the club last summer, even going as far as going on strike in an effort to force a move.
Despite his stance, Atalanta remained unmoved, rejecting approaches from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, and insisting on keeping the Nigerian forward.
From Struggles to Revival Under New Management
The arrival of Ivan Jurić initially helped ease tensions, with Lookman returning to training. However, his performances under Jurić were largely underwhelming, as he struggled for goals and consistency.
A turning point came with Jurić’s dismissal and the appointment of Raffaele Palladino.
Under the new manager, Lookman rediscovered his confidence and form, delivering his standout club performance of the season with a goal and an assist in the UEFA Champions League against Frankfurt, followed by another goal against Fiorentina.
Palladino’s trust appeared to have a clear impact, with Lookman looking mentally settled and more expressive on the pitch.
AFCON Brilliance Boosts Profile
That resurgence has carried over seamlessly to the international stage. At the Africa Cup of Nations, Ademola Lookman has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, registering three goals and four assists in just three appearances.
These numbers can be said to have heightened interest in his services.
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What Next for Ademola Lookman?
With Lookman’s contract at Atalanta running until June 2027, the Italian club remain in a strong negotiating position.
While a contract extension appears unlikely at this stage, Atalanta are under no immediate pressure to sell.
As Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe continue to assess their options, any potential move will hinge on whether Atalanta’s €50 million valuation can be met and whether Lookman is willing to leave a club where he has finally found stability again.
For now, the Super Eagles star remains at the centre of one of the most intriguing transfer stories involving Turkish football this window.
