Turkish champions Galatasaray have stepped up efforts to sign Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, as they prepare to make big moves in the January transfer window.
Sources in Turkey say Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has not given up on bringing Lookman to Istanbul after missing out on him in the summer. Buruk has reportedly made the Nigerian winger his top target, convinced that his energy, creativity and pace can transform Galatasaray’s attack for the second half of the season.
Negotiations have quietly resumed between the Turkish club and Lookman’s representatives, with Galatasaray expected to send a formal offer to Atalanta before the window opens.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has been one of the club’s most influential players. The 27-year-old has scored or assisted more than 70 goals in all competitions, earning him the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award — a recognition that underlines his rise as one of the continent’s most exciting attackers.
But his relationship with Atalanta has not always been smooth. During the last transfer window, Lookman pushed for a move away after Inter Milan made a bid worth around €45 million. Atalanta refused to sell, especially to another Serie A side, and tensions grew between player and club. Lookman was reported to have skipped training sessions and deleted Atalanta-related posts from his social media pages.
Atalanta’s chief executive, Antonio Percassi, later clarified that while the club intended to grant Lookman a move in 2025, they had no plan to let him leave this year — particularly not to a domestic rival.
The winger has since returned to the squad but has had a quiet start to the new season, featuring three times in Serie A without registering a goal or assist.
For Galatasaray, who have built a reputation for signing big African names, the pursuit of Lookman is seen as a statement of intent. The Turkish side famously pulled off a surprise loan deal for Victor Osimhen last season, and adding another Nigerian star to their ranks would further strengthen their attack and deepen their connection with African football fans.
If the deal goes through, Galatasaray will not only gain one of Africa’s top forwards but also send a clear message about their ambitions in both domestic and European football.
