Atalanta have drawn a clear line in the sand over the future of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, insisting they will not entertain negotiations below a package worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, as interest from Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe intensifies.
Speculation surrounding Lookman’s future has gathered momentum across Turkish and Italian media in recent weeks, with the Super Eagles star emerging as one of the most sought-after attacking profiles on the market. However, Atalanta’s firm valuation reflects both his importance to the club and their strong contractual position.
Galatasaray’s Missed Opportunity
According to respected Turkish transfer insider Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Galatasaray was close to securing Lookman’s signature as early as September. The Istanbul giants reportedly reached a personal agreement with the player over a loan deal that included a €55 million purchase option.
Despite the advanced talks, the move collapsed at the boardroom level. Galatasaray president Dursun Aydın Özbek ultimately chose to halt negotiations, opting instead to retain winger Barış Alper Yılmaz by rewarding him with an improved contract. That decision effectively ended Galatasaray’s immediate pursuit of Lookman, though the club is understood to still be monitoring developments.
Fenerbahçe Step Up the Chase
While Galatasaray cooled their interest, Fenerbahçe has moved decisively. Turkish journalist Bersan Taskaya reports that the club is preparing a structured proposal involving a €5 million loan fee and a €30 million mandatory purchase option.
Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran is said to be personally driving the deal and is expected to engage directly with Atalanta’s hierarchy. Should the transfer materialize, Lookman would become the first major signing of Saran’s presidency, an acquisition that would underline Fenerbahçe’s ambitions both domestically and on the European stage.
A Complicated Relationship in Bergamo
Lookman’s time at Atalanta has not been without turbulence. The winger was determined to leave the club last summer and even went on strike in a bid to force a transfer. Atalanta, however, refused to budge, turning away interest from clubs such as Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
The appointment of Ivan Jurić initially helped stabilize the situation, with Lookman returning to training. Yet his performances under the former Torino manager were inconsistent, marked by limited goal output and subdued displays.
Everything changed following Jurić’s dismissal and the arrival of Raffaele Palladino.
Under Palladino, Lookman rediscovered his confidence and attacking freedom. His resurgence was emphatically announced with a goal and an assist in the UEFA Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by another decisive strike against Fiorentina. Palladino’s faith appeared to unlock a more expressive and mentally settled version of the Nigerian international.
AFCON Brilliance Fuels Transfer Interest
Lookman’s revival has extended seamlessly to the international stage. At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, registering three goals and four assists in just three appearances. Those numbers have only heightened interest in his services and reinforced Atalanta’s valuation.
With his contract in Bergamo running until June 2027, Atalanta remains under no immediate pressure to sell. A contract extension is not currently on the table, but the club retains full control over negotiations.
As Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe continue to weigh their options, any potential deal will ultimately hinge on whether Atalanta’s €50 million valuation is met and whether Lookman is prepared to leave a club where he has finally rediscovered stability and form.
For now, Ademola Lookman remains at the heart of one of the most compelling transfer stories involving Turkish football this window.
