Ademola Lookman submits transfer request to Atalanta amid Galatasaray interest
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has formally submitted a transfer request to Atalanta, demanding to leave the Serie A club when the January transfer window opens.
The 28-year-old, who attracted serious interest from Napoli and Inter Milan last summer, was keen on a move to the San Siro, but Atalanta refused to sanction a transfer to a domestic rival.
A late push from Galatasaray also fell through due to financial constraints, as the Turkish giants had recently completed the high-cost signing of Victor Osimhen.
Galatasaray reignite interest ahead of winter window
Soccernet suggests that Galatasaray remain keen on securing Lookman’s signature in January, especially as Atalanta have shown interest in Yunus Akgün.
Ademola Lookman demands to leave Atalanta – Getty image
According to Ajansspor, Atalanta demanded €60 million for the Nigerian international during the last window. With Galatasaray now considering the sale of Barış Alper Yılmaz, the club may revive its pursuit of Lookman.
However, negotiations could hinge on the player’s salary expectations, Lookman reportedly requested €9 million per year plus a €3 million bonus, a figure Galatasaray’s hierarchy may find excessive.
Form and uncertainty cloud Lookman’s future
Lookman’s recent struggles could influence Atalanta’s stance. The CAF 2024 Player of the Year has managed just one goal across all competitions this season, his poorest start to a campaign in five years.
While the Italian side are reluctant to lose a key attacker mid-season, Lookman’s desire for a fresh challenge, coupled with his dip in form, may force Atalanta’s management to reconsider their position before the January window opens.
