Fenerbahce looking to take Lookman vs Osimhen rivalry to Turkey

Fenerbahce are plotting an ambitious move that could transport one of African football’s most talked-about attacking duos and rivals into the Turkish Super Lig.

With Ademola Lookman firmly on their radar and Victor Osimhen already starring for archrivals Galatasaray, the Yellow Canaries could be setting the stage for a blockbuster Nigerian showdown in Istanbul.

Reports from Turkish and Italian media suggest Fenerbahce have intensified negotiations as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.

Club officials are said to be in Italy holding advanced talks over several high-profile targets, including Ademola Lookman, Christopher Nkunku, and Mateo Guendouzi, while discussions for Alexander Sorloth are also ongoing. At least one signing is expected to be announced soon.

Turkish broadcaster beIN Sports claims Fenerbahce are closing in on Lookman, who currently plays for Serie A side Atalanta. The Nigerian winger has featured in 16 matches this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

Valued at around €35 million on Transfermarkt and under contract until July 2027, Lookman would represent a major statement signing for the Istanbul giants. However, the deal is complicated by interest from Fenerbahce’s fierce rivals Galatasaray, who are also monitoring the Super Eagles star.

A potential move to Fenerbahce would bring Lookman into direct domestic rivalry with his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, who is the talisman at Galatasaray. The duo recently made headlines following a heated on-pitch exchange during Nigeria’s 4–0 AFCON Round of 16 win over Mozambique.

Osimhen was visibly frustrated after teammates opted to shoot rather than play him through when he was chasing a hat-trick, leading to a shouting match and his subsequent substitution.

While reports claimed Osimhen threatened to quit the national team, there has been no official confirmation. Lookman later downplayed the incident, calling Osimhen his “brother” and posting a celebratory photo captioned “Together Always.”

Despite the tension, their on-field chemistry has been devastating, with Nigeria’s AFCON charge powered by Lookman’s seven goal contributions and Osimhen’s four.

If Fenerbahce succeed in signing Lookman, that rivalry could spill into Turkish football, adding extra spice to the already fiery Fenerbahce-Galatasaray divide and turning Istanbul into the new battleground for Nigeria’s superstar forwards.