Turkish champions Galatasaray have launched an ambitious move to sign Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, employing fellow countryman Victor Osimhen as their chief recruiter in what could become one of the most significant transfers of the January window.
From European Glory to Transfer Turmoil
Lookman's situation at Atalanta has dramatically shifted since his heroic performance last season. The 27-year-old scored a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, delivering Atalanta their first European trophy and establishing himself as a €40 million asset. His 2023-24 campaign produced 17 goals and 10 assists, marking his breakthrough as one of Europe's most dangerous forwards.
However, the current season tells a different story. By November 2025, Lookman has managed just one goal in eleven matches. His relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini has deteriorated, compounded by a bitter summer transfer saga where he submitted a transfer request and briefly refused training to force a move to Inter Milan. When Inter's bids were rejected and other interested clubs like Bayern Munich and Tottenham failed to secure his signature, Lookman returned to Bergamo frustrated and out of form.
Osimhen's Persuasive Campaign
Victor Osimhen has become the central figure in Galatasaray's recruitment strategy. The Nigerian striker, who has scored nine goals in twelve games for the Turkish club, has been relentlessly persuading Lookman during national team camps and private phone calls. Osimhen presents Istanbul as the perfect environment for Lookman to rediscover his form, emphasizing the passionate fanbase that treats Nigerian stars exceptionally well.
According to reports, Lookman has verbally accepted Galatasaray's contract offer worth approximately €9 million net per year. The player's camp describes his relationship with Atalanta as irreparable, making him open to destinations he previously dismissed, including moves to Turkey.
Financial Hurdles and Strategic Vision
The major obstacle remains Atalanta's firm €50 million valuation, which represents the full value of Lookman's release clause. The Italian club has shown no willingness to negotiate downward, maintaining the same tough stance they displayed during previous sales of players like Teun Koopmeiners and Rasmus Hojlund.
For Galatasaray, this figure presents significant financial challenges. The club already carries Osimhen's substantial salary and recent squad investments, potentially requiring the sale of fringe players or creative add-ons to approach Atalanta's asking price.
Despite these hurdles, Galatasaray's hierarchy views Lookman as a strategic investment similar to their successful acquisitions of Mauro Icardi and Osimhen. The Nigerian's versatility across multiple forward positions makes him an ideal fit for Galatasaray's high-tempo system, while his potential partnership with Osimhen could elevate the team to Champions League knockout level.
While manager Buruk remains cautious about Lookman's current form and adaptation challenges in the Süper Lig, the club's leadership sees this as an opportunity to capitalize on a world-class talent experiencing temporary difficulties. With Osimhen driving the recruitment from within and Chelsea's interest in the Nigerian striker currently blocked by wage demands, Galatasaray believes they're creating the perfect conditions for another major signing.
