Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray are considering reigniting their pursuit of Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman following an unsuccessful attempt during the move-to-bayer-leverkusen-froma-liverpool/” title=”Jarell Quansah completes £35m … to Bayer Leverkusen from Liverpool”>summer transfer window.
According to Soccernet.ng, Galatasaray have resumed negotiations with the Nigerian international as they strategize for the upcoming January transfer period.
After their initial bid to acquire Lookman from Atalanta was declined in the summer, the Istanbul-based club appears ready to challenge the Italian side’s stance once more.
Fanatik reports that Lookman remains a top priority for Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk, who was eager to finalize the transfer last season before talks broke down.
Sources indicate that the Turkish outfit has reinitiated communication with the 27-year-old forward and is preparing a formal proposal for the winter window.
Galatasaray, who famously secured Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli last season, are keen to replicate a similar transfer success.
Lookman has distinguished himself as one of Serie A’s most dynamic and adaptable attackers, attracting interest from clubs across Europe, including Inter Milan, Premier League teams, and Spanish sides during the summer.
When Inter’s offer fell through and the major European leagues’ transfer windows closed, Galatasaray unexpectedly emerged as a contender for his signature.
Although no deal was finalized previously, Galatasaray are now intensifying efforts to secure the services of the current 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 Atalanta, Lookman has been a revelation, tallying 52 goals and 25 assists in 121 appearances across all competitions.
Stay Updated with the Latest Sports News – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Today!
Ferrara’s Take: Lookman Would Have Faced Limited Playing Time at Inter Milan
As Galatasaray plot their next move, former Italian defender Ciro Ferrara expressed doubts about Lookman’s potential to secure a regular starting spot at Inter Milan.
Ferrara believes that integrating Lookman into Inter’s lineup would have required significant tactical adjustments, making it challenging for the Nigerian to break into the first team.
“Lookman would likely have been a substitute at Inter,” Ferrara told DAZN, as reported by FC Inter 1908.
“To accommodate him, the team’s formation would have needed a major overhaul. Despite his importance, the existing tactical setup and chemistry among starters would have posed significant obstacles.”
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 negotiations, 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, compelling 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 against Como last weekend.
0 Comments