Galatasaray Ask Osimhen to Help Secure Ademola Lookman Transfer

Galatasaray Ask Osimhen to Help Secure Ademola Lookman Transfer

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly enlisted the help of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in their ambitious bid to sign fellow Nigerian international Ademola Lookman from Atlético Madrid this summer.

According to reports from Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Galatasaray view Lookman as a key target as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and another campaign in the UEFA Champions League. The club is believed to have asked Osimhen to use his close relationship with the reigning African Footballer of the Year to help persuade him to consider a move to Istanbul.

The move underlines Galatasaray’s determination to assemble a formidable squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Club officials reportedly believe that Osimhen’s influence and popularity among Nigerian players could be instrumental in opening discussions with Lookman.

The 28-year-old attacker only joined Atlético Madrid from Atalanta during the January transfer window in a deal reportedly worth €35 million. Since arriving in Spain, Lookman has quickly established himself as an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad.

The Nigerian forward enjoyed an impressive second half of the season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. His contributions helped Atlético Madrid reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey, where he delivered several crucial performances, including goals against Barcelona.

Reports in Turkey claim Osimhen has already held informal conversations with his international teammate regarding a potential move to Galatasaray. While there is no official agreement between the clubs, the Turkish giants are said to be optimistic that the strong bond between both players could help facilitate negotiations.

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However, securing Lookman’s signature is expected to be a difficult task.

Atlético Madrid signed the Nigerian winger on a long-term contract and are reportedly reluctant to part ways with one of their most influential attacking players so soon after his arrival. The Spanish club are also facing uncertainty in their forward line following recent squad changes, making Lookman an even more valuable asset for Simeone.

Beyond Atlético Madrid’s resistance, financial considerations could also complicate any potential deal. Lookman’s salary package in Spain is believed to be significantly higher than the wages earned by most Galatasaray players, meaning the Turkish champions would likely need to structure an attractive financial package to make the transfer feasible.

Galatasaray have, however, shown a willingness to invest heavily in elite talent. The club demonstrated its financial strength by securing Osimhen on a permanent deal after his successful loan spell, making the Nigerian striker one of the highest-paid players in Turkish football.

Osimhen has become a fan favourite since arriving in Istanbul, regularly expressing his admiration for the club, supporters and atmosphere. His successful experience at Galatasaray could be one of the factors the club hopes will convince Lookman to consider a move.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Lookman has been linked with Turkish football. Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe were previously credited with interest in the winger before his move to Atlético Madrid earlier this year.

For now, negotiations remain at an early stage, but Galatasaray’s decision to involve Osimhen highlights how highly the club rates Lookman. Whether the Turkish champions can produce an offer strong enough to convince Atlético Madrid to sell remains the biggest question in what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories involving Nigerian footballers this summer.

Galatasaray Ask Osimhen to Help Secure Ademola Lookman Transfer