Newsletters
Istanbul club Fenerbahce has reportedly moved closer to finalizing the transfer of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta, with negotiations ongoing over a potential deal worth up to €45 million ($52.35 million), according to both Italian and Turkish media reports.
The 26-year-old forward, currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations, is said to be at the center of ongoing talks between the two clubs, with Fenerbahce showing strong interest and Atalanta remaining reluctant to part ways with the player.
According to Italian outlet SportMediaset, Lookman is open to a move to Türkiye and is said to be close to agreeing to a contract with Fenerbahce. The proposed salary package is said to be valued at around €9 million ($10.47 million) per season, a substantial increase from the approximately €2.5 million he currently earns in Bergamo.
While Fenerbahce is attempting to structure the deal as a loan with a purchase option, Atalanta reportedly prefers a permanent sale. Italian media reports indicate the Serie A club is seeking a lump-sum payment of €45 million for the forward, while Fenerbahce is proposing a staggered deal involving a €5 million loan fee and a €37 million purchase clause.
Fenerbahce’s head of football operations, Ertan Torunogullari, is expected to hold direct talks with Atalanta to explore payment terms. The Istanbul side is expected to request an installment-based structure to ease the financial burden of the proposed transfer, GOAL Türkiye suggested.
On the other hand, Italian sports journalist Alfredo Pedulla reported that the club has not yet received a formal offer from Fenerbahce and remains intent on keeping Lookman for the rest of the season. He added that unless Atalanta receives an exceptionally high bid, the club does not intend to part ways with the Nigerian forward during the winter window.
Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Lookman has established himself as a central part of their front line, playing a key role in the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024. Known for his explosive pace, close control, and ability to cut inside from the left wing, the Nigerian forward offers a dynamic attacking threat both in open play and on the counter.
After a heated dispute with his former coach Ivan Juric at the start of the season, Lookman's relationship with the club became strained, reigniting interest from several clubs, including Fenerbahce’s archrival Galatasaray, which signed his Nigeria teammate Victor Osimhen earlier this summer.
During the current season, Lookman has made 16 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, carries an estimated market value of €35 million on Transfermarkt.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
