Two of Turkey’s biggest clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, are gearing up for a heated transfer battle in January as both intensify their pursuit of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman.
The winger’s relationship with Atalanta has deteriorated sharply in recent months. Lookman—one of Serie A’s standout performers last season—has grown increasingly frustrated after the club blocked a €45m move to Inter Milan in the summer, insisting instead on a €50m fee. The disagreement reportedly angered the 28-year-old, who at one point walked out of training before later rejoining the squad.
Tensions escalated further during Atalanta’s Champions League clash with Marseille on November 5, when Lookman was involved in a heated touchline exchange with then-manager Ivan Juric. Although Juric has since been dismissed, the decision is not expected to repair Lookman’s strained relationship with the club.
With his contract running until June 2027, Atalanta maintain a strong negotiating position, but the player is believed to be pushing for a move. Whether the Italian side will approve a sale in January remains uncertain—particularly as Lookman is set to join Nigeria for AFCON later in December.
Interest extends beyond Turkey. Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, who both tried to sign him in the summer, are preparing renewed bids in January, according to Teamtalk.
Reports from Italy and Turkey indicate that both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have accelerated their pursuit. Galatasaray see Lookman as a marquee signing who could link up with Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, while Fenerbahçe have tracked him for months and even submitted a late offer after Italy’s summer transfer window closed—a bid Atalanta immediately rejected.
However, Gala insider Burhan Can Terzi claims the club is hesitating due to concerns over Lookman’s recent form.
“Galatasaray’s football management has some concerns regarding Lookman’s recent performances… Galatasaray might consider other options ahead of Lookman,”
Terzi said via Forza Climbom on X.
Lookman, who delivered 15 goals and five assists last season, has struggled this term. He has just one goal in seven Serie A matches, marking a significant drop for a player who has hit double figures in each of his previous three campaigns for Atalanta.
New Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino is expected to reintegrate him further in the coming weeks, after which the club’s hierarchy will reassess his form and attitude before deciding whether to reopen transfer talks.
If negotiations resume, Galatasaray are seen as favourites, boosted by reports that they have offered Lookman a lucrative €9m-per-year contract. The Nigerian is reportedly open to the move and excited about the possibility of forming a Nigerian-led attacking partnership with Osimhen at Rams Park.
