Transfer Update: Galatasaray Explains Why Ademola Lookman Was Not Signed from Atalanta

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has provided insights into why the Turkish Super Lig giants failed to secure the services of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta during the recent summer transfer window.

According to Buruk, Galatasaray made serious attempts to bring in the Nigerian international but were left disappointed after Atalanta firmly rejected the possibility of letting him leave on loan.

In his words, Buruk admitted that the club was very keen and even excited about the prospect of signing Lookman, especially after the successful rise of African strikers in Europe. He stated:

“We were genuinely interested in Ademola Lookman. The club was excited, and we wondered if a move similar to Victor Osimhen’s case was about to happen. But Atalanta made it clear that they would not release him on loan,” Buruk said, as quoted by Turkish football journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu.

Lookman’s Transfer Situation

The Nigerian winger had reportedly expressed his desire to leave Atalanta and even went as far as submitting an official transfer request. Despite his determination to seek a move away, the Serie A side stood firm on their decision.

Notably, top European clubs such as Inter Milan and Bayern Munich were also interested in acquiring Lookman’s signature, but Atalanta rejected all offers.

The Italian club’s management maintained that the 26-year-old remained a crucial part of their squad. In line with this, Lookman was officially included in Atalanta’s Champions League squad list, signaling their firm intention to keep him beyond the summer transfer speculation.

Why Atalanta Refused

Atalanta’s decision not to part ways with Lookman was strategic. After his impressive performances in the 2022/2023 season—where he scored key goals both in Serie A and in European competitions—club officials believed he was too valuable to lose.

This stance mirrors a broader trend in European football where clubs are increasingly reluctant to release top players without significant transfer fees. Atalanta’s refusal shows their determination to compete strongly in domestic and continental competitions this season.

The Bigger Picture for Galatasaray

For Galatasaray, missing out on Lookman is a setback. The club is actively strengthening its squad to dominate the Turkish Super Lig and make an impact in European tournaments. Buruk’s remarks suggest that Galatasaray saw Lookman as an ideal addition who could replicate the success stories of other Nigerian forwards excelling in Europe.

However, the failure to secure him means Galatasaray will now have to look elsewhere in their search for attacking reinforcements. Fans of the Turkish side are still hopeful that future windows may present another opportunity to sign the Nigerian star if Atalanta decides to negotiate.