REIGNING Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray are reportedly preparing an audacious January transfer move for Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, in a bid to form a formidable all-Nigerian attacking partnership alongside Victor Osimhen, News Point Nigeria Sports reports.
According to reputable Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has reignited his interest in Lookman after a failed attempt to sign him last summer.
The Istanbul giants have now reopened communication with the forward’s representatives and are readying a fresh bid for Atalanta’s 27-year-old star when the winter transfer window opens.
Sources within the club revealed that Buruk has been a long-time admirer of Lookman’s dynamic play style, pace, and goal-scoring instinct, believing he would perfectly complement Osimhen in what could become one of the most lethal attacking duos in European football.
“Okan Buruk sees Lookman as the missing piece in his attacking puzzle,” Fanatik reported. “He wants to pair him with Osimhen and recreate the chemistry that has made Nigerian forwards such a threat on the international stage.”
Lookman, who was recently crowned 2024 African Footballer of the Year, has enjoyed an exceptional spell in Italy since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. In just two seasons, the winger has contributed 52 goals and 25 assists in 121 appearances across all competitions becoming a fan favourite in Bergamo.
However, his relationship with Atalanta’s management soured during the summer transfer window following an intense transfer saga involving Inter Milan.
The Nerazzurri reportedly tabled a €45 million bid for Lookman, which Atalanta rejected outright, citing their unwillingness to strengthen a Serie A rival.
Despite personal terms already agreed with Inter, Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi refused to sanction the move, insisting that while Lookman could leave in 2025, he would not be allowed to join a domestic competitor.
Feeling betrayed, the Super Eagles winger allegedly boycotted training for two weeks, deleted all Atalanta-related content from his social media accounts, and publicly declared his desire to leave.
Though he has since returned to the squad, Lookman’s role this season has been limited featuring in three Serie A matches so far without a goal or assist, amid reports of lingering tension between the player and club hierarchy.
Galatasaray, known for their aggressive transfer strategies and star-studded lineups, are now keen to capitalise on Lookman’s uncertain situation.
Club sources suggest that manager Okan Buruk is seeking to recreate the explosive chemistry of Nigeria’s frontline, with Osimhen, who joined the Turkish champions on loan last season at the heart of the project.
“Galatasaray are confident of reaching an agreement with Atalanta this time. They believe Lookman’s situation makes him attainable,” the report added.
The Turkish champions, who are eyeing back-to-back league titles and a deep run in the UEFA Europa League, view Lookman as a marquee signing that could elevate their European ambitions.
Lookman’s potential move to Istanbul would mark another turning point in his career, which has already seen successful spells in England, Germany, and Italy.
The versatile winger previously played for Everton and Leicester City in the Premier League before reviving his career at Atalanta with a string of dazzling performances.
Should the transfer materialise, he would become the latest Nigerian star to grace the Turkish Super Lig, joining a growing list that includes Osimhen, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Henry Onyekuru, all of whom have made significant impacts in Turkey’s top flight.
Galatasaray’s renewed interest in Lookman underscores their ambitious project to build a more dynamic and international squad capable of dominating domestically and competing with Europe’s elite.
With Osimhen already in their ranks and Lookman potentially on the way, Turkish football fans are buzzing at the prospect of witnessing an all-Nigerian frontline, fast, fearless, and formidable.