Fenerbahçe have reached a broad agreement with Atalanta over the transfer of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, but the Turkish Super Lig club still faces crucial hurdles before completing a deal worth around €40 million. The Istanbul outfit remains in talks over the payment structure, while Atletico Madrid have made a late push to explore the possibility of hijacking the move.
The two clubs have accepted the fee in principle, but negotiations continue over the timing of instalments, guarantees and other contractual details. That delay has given Atletico Madrid an opening to request information on the deal, with the Spanish side assessing whether a late bid is feasible before the transfer window closes.
Fenerbahçe, however, believe they hold the upper hand. Sources indicate the Turkish club are prepared to offer a salary package significantly more attractive than what Atletico Madrid can match, a factor that could prove decisive if Lookman is forced to choose between the two clubs.
Title Race Motivation
Domenico Tedesco’s side are unbeaten in 19 league matches and have scored 43 goals, the same tally as reigning champions Galatasaray. Despite their strong form, Fenerbahçe trail their Istanbul rivals by three points at the top of the Super Lig table, with Victor Osimhen leading Galatasaray’s attack.
The club view Lookman as the attacking reinforcement capable of tipping the balance in their favour during the title run-in. His pace, direct play and versatility across the front line are seen as ideal attributes for a tight race that offers little margin for error. There is also a competitive edge to the pursuit; Galatasaray were linked with the Nigerian international last summer, and Fenerbahçe believe signing him would strengthen their own squad while denying their main rival a proven goal threat.
Quiet Season at Atalanta
Lookman, 28, has been available for several months after Atalanta blocked a summer departure. The Serie A side’s decision has coincided with a quieter campaign for the forward, who has registered three goals and two assists in 19 appearances this season. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Atalanta are increasingly aware of the need to act, lending urgency to the talks as Fenerbahçe attempt to finalise the deal.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that while the clubs have made crucial progress, the deal is not yet complete. Atalanta have yet to approve the payment structure proposed by Fenerbahçe, meaning there is still time for competing clubs to make a move. Atletico Madrid’s late interest adds another layer of complexity, with the La Liga side offering Lookman the opportunity to experience Spanish football after spells in England, Germany and Italy.
Editorial
This transfer saga illustrates once again the increasing influence of Turkish football in the global market. Fenerbahçe’s willingness to offer a salary package that can outbid Atletico Madrid speaks to the financial firepower now present in the Super Lig, a competition that has attracted high-profile names like Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi and Edin Džeko in recent seasons. For Nigerian fans, the prospect of Lookman joining Osimhen in the Istanbul derby adds another fascinating dimension to a rivalry already steeped in drama.
The timing of this move is also significant. Lookman’s form at Atalanta has dipped this season, but his overall body of work in Serie A remains impressive. A change of scenery could rejuvenate his career, and Turkey has proven to be a destination where experienced attackers thrive when given regular game time and the right tactical environment. Fenerbahçe’s desperation to close the gap on Galatasaray makes Lookman an essential piece in their title puzzle, and the Nigerian will be expected to deliver immediately if the move goes through.
For the Super Eagles, the transfer is less straightforward. A drop in competitive level compared to Serie A could affect Lookman’s sharpness ahead of important international fixtures, though consistent playing time and confidence might offset that concern. The alternative—Atletico Madrid—would keep him in one of Europe’s top five leagues and under a manager, Diego Simeone, known for extracting maximum effort from wide forwards. Either way, Lookman’s next decision will be closely watched in Nigeria, where his performances remain central to the national team’s attacking plans.
Ultimately, if money talks, Fenerbahçe have spoken loudest. Atletico Madrid’s late enquiry may test Lookman’s ambitions, but the financial reality of modern football often settles these questions before sentiment ever gets a vote. Expect Fenerbahçe to push hard to get this over the line before deadline day.
Did You Know?
- Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final to help Atalanta defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 in Dublin, one of the standout individual performances in the competition’s history.
- Fenerbahçe have not won the Turkish Super Lig title since the 2013–14 season, while their Istanbul rivals Galatasaray have claimed five league crowns in the past seven campaigns.
- Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in the summer of 2024 and has been the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer this season, reigniting the Istanbul derby with Nigeria’s two most prominent forwards potentially facing off.
- Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic in England before moving to Everton in 2017, later enjoying loan spells at RB Leipzig and Fulham before settling in Italy with Atalanta in 2022.
- Atletico Madrid have a strong recent record of developing African attacking talent, including Thomas Partey of Ghana and current forward Antoine Griezmann often partnering with international stars from across the continent in European competitions.
