Turkish football great Hasan Şaş has called on Galatasaray to make a bold move for Nigeria and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
Şaş is convinced that the Super Eagles star could make a greater impact in Istanbul than former Manchester City winger Leroy Sané.
Şaş, who famously helped Turkey to a historic bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, believes Lookman’s dynamic style and productivity would perfectly complement Galatasaray’s attacking setup.
“Lookman transfer. This player would change a lot of things. He would create a bigger impact than Leroy Sané. Galatasaray needs to stay in constant contact for the Lookman transfer just in case for their mid-season transfer already, needs to be at the table,” Şaş said in an interview shared on X.
The former winger’s comments come amid growing reports in Italy and Turkey that Galatasaray are monitoring Lookman’s situation at Atalanta ahead of the January transfer window.
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Ademola Lookman and Atalanta transfer tension
Lookman, 27, was close to leaving Atalanta last summer, with Inter Milan reportedly showing strong interest.
The forward even submitted a transfer request and briefly left the club without leave. However, Atalanta stood firm and refused to sanction a move.
Following a short period out of the squad, new head coach Ivan Jurić has reintegrated Lookman into the first team, and the Nigerian has since repaid that faith. He scored his first goal of the season in a 1–1 Serie A draw with AC Milan this week, hinting at a resurgence in form.
Despite his return, speculation continues to swirl around his future. Galatasaray, who have built a reputation for attracting top-tier names such as Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, Davinson Sánchez, and Sané, are reportedly among the leading contenders should Atalanta decide to sell.
Sané, who joined from Bayern Munich this summer, has already made an impression with three goals and an assist in ten Super Lig games, plus another assist in the Champions League. But Şaş insists Lookman’s energy, work rate, and goal threat could make him even more influential.
Nigeria star’s stock still soaring
Lookman remains one of Africa’s most exciting forwards. His performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles reached the final, significantly raised his international profile.
As Nigeria prepare for the World Cup playoffs in November and the 2025 AFCON in December, the former Fulham and Leicester City attacker has another chance to enhance his reputation on both the continental and global stage.
For now, Lookman’s focus remains on Atalanta. Yet, if his form continues to climb and Galatasaray stay attentive, Şaş’s words may well prove prophetic and Istanbul could yet see another Nigerian star light up the RAMS Park.
