Galatasaray in contact with award-winning Super Eagles star ahead of possible January switch

Reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray are weighing up a fresh bid for the Super Eagles attacker after a failed summer pursuit

Super Lig giants Galatasaray have reopened talks with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman as they prepare their January transfer strategy, Soccernet.ng reports.

After failing to convince Atalanta to part with their prized asset in the summer, Galatasaray are reportedly ready to test Atalanta’s resolve once again.

According to Fanatik, Lookman remains high on the list of manager Okan Buruk, who was keen to secure his signature last summer before the deal collapsed.

The reports suggest that Galatasaray have already re-established contact with the 27-year-old and are preparing a formal offer for the January window.

The Istanbul giants, who famously secured Victor Osimhen’s loan from Napoli last season, are eager to repeat a similar transfer coup.

Lookman, whose consistency and versatility have made him one of Serie A’s standout attackers, came close to leaving Atalanta in the summer with Inter Milan, Premier League sides, and Spanish clubs all exploring deals.

When Inter’s bid failed, and Europe’s top leagues closed their transfer windows, Galatasaray emerged as a surprise suitor.

Though no agreement was reached at the time, the Turkish side are now pushing harder to land the Nigerian international, who is the reigning African Footballer of the Year. 

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before earning a £10 million move to Everton at 20.

RB Leipzig later signed him for €18 million and loaned him to Fulham and Leicester before Atalanta paid €11 million for his services in 2022.

Since joining the Bergamo outfit, he has been a revelation: contributing 52 goals and 25 assists in 121 matches across all competitions.

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Ferrara: Super Eagles star Lookman would have been a bench player at Inter

While Galatasaray prepare their move, former Italian defender Ciro Ferrara has claimed that Ademola Lookman might have struggled to earn regular minutes at Inter Milan.

Ferrara is not convinced that Lookman has the quality to break into the first team picture at the San Siro.

“Lookman would have been on the bench at Inter,” Ferrara told DAZN as per FC Inter 1908.

“To insert him, you would have had to change a lot — starting with the formation. Even if he’s an important player, the tactical balance and understanding already in the starting team would have made it difficult for him.”

Lookman’s failed move to Inter Milan was one of the most intriguing transfer episodes of the summer, with the Nigerian forward reportedly asking to leave Atalanta.

Frustrated by stalled negotiations, he briefly boycotted training and deleted Atalanta-related posts from his social media.

Inter had agreed personal terms on a proposed five-year deal, but Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi refused to sanction the sale to a Serie A rival, reminding the Nigerian that only a move abroad would be approved.

Atalanta later turned down Inter’s €45 million offer, forcing the Nerazzurri to move on.

Despite the fallout, Lookman has since returned to action, making three Serie A appearances this season.

However, he has yet to score or assist and was substituted in the 73rd minute of his first league start of the campaign against Como last weekend.