Galatasaray, the reigning champions of Turkey’s top flight, are considering reigniting their pursuit of the Nigerian international forward following an unsuccessful attempt during the summer transfer window.
According to Soccernet.ng, the Turkish Super Lig powerhouse Galatasaray have resumed negotiations to sign Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman as they strategize for the upcoming January transfer period.
After their initial bid to acquire Lookman from Atalanta was declined in the summer, Galatasaray appear determined to challenge the Italian club’s stance once more.
Reports from Fanatik reveal that Lookman remains a top priority for Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk, who was eager to finalize the transfer last season before negotiations fell through.
It is understood that Galatasaray have reinitiated contact with the 27-year-old attacker and are preparing a formal proposal to present during the winter transfer window.
Galatasaray, who successfully secured Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli last season, are keen to replicate a similar transfer success story with Lookman.
Lookman’s impressive adaptability and consistent performances have established him as one of Serie A‘s most dynamic attackers. During the summer, he attracted interest from Inter Milan, several Premier League clubs, and Spanish teams, all exploring potential deals.
When Inter’s attempt to sign him faltered and the major European leagues’ transfer windows closed, Galatasaray unexpectedly emerged as a contender.
Although no deal was finalized at that time, the Turkish club is now intensifying efforts to secure the services of the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman launched his professional journey at Charlton Athletic before making a £10 million move to Everton at age 20.
He later transferred to RB Leipzig for €18 million, with loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City, before Atalanta acquired him for €11 million in 2022.
Since joining the Italian side, Lookman has been a revelation, tallying 52 goals and 25 assists in 121 appearances across all competitions.
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Ferrara’s Take: Lookman Would Have Faced Limited Playing Time at Inter Milan
As Galatasaray plot their next move, former Italian defender Ciro Ferrara has expressed skepticism about Lookman’s potential impact at Inter Milan, suggesting the Nigerian might have struggled to secure a regular starting spot.
Ferrara doubts Lookman’s ability to seamlessly integrate into Inter’s first-team setup.
“Lookman would likely have been a substitute at Inter,” Ferrara told DAZN, as reported by FC Inter 1908.
“Integrating him would have required significant tactical adjustments, including formation changes. Despite his importance, the existing team’s balance and cohesion would have made it challenging for him to break into the starting lineup.”
Lookman’s thwarted transfer to Inter was one of the summer’s most talked-about stories, with the forward reportedly pushing for a move away from Atalanta.
In frustration over stalled talks, he temporarily boycotted training sessions and removed Atalanta-related content from his social media profiles.
Although Inter had agreed on personal terms for a five-year contract, Atalanta’s CEO Antonio Percassi blocked the transfer to a domestic rival, insisting that Lookman’s next move must be abroad.
Atalanta subsequently rejected Inter’s €45 million bid, forcing the Nerazzurri to abandon their pursuit.
Despite the transfer saga, Lookman has returned to action this season, featuring in three Serie A matches.
However, he is yet to register a goal or assist and was substituted in the 73rd minute during his first league start of the campaign against Como last weekend.