Lookman: Galatasaray hoping to repeat Osimhen trick with CAF POTY

Galatasaray has set its sights on Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman in what could be a blockbuster move reminiscent of how Victor Osimhen became a legend of the Turkish side.

The European giants believe the Atalanta forward could be their next headline star, possibly even replicating Osimhen’s path to the CAF Player of the Year crown.

After sealing the signings of Ugurcan Cakir from Trabzonspor and Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, Galatasaray is now turning its attention to Lookman.

The 27-year-old dazzled last season with 20 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta, underlining his consistency and eye for goal.

Yet despite his numbers, European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Inter Milan chose not to pursue him aggressively, leaving Galatasaray with a clearer shot at securing his signature.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed that the club has already tabled an offer, taking advantage of newly opened foreign player slots following the exits of Elias Jelert, Carlos Cuesta, and Nicolo Zaniolo.

Bayern Munich came closest to disrupting Galatasaray’s chase but fell short in negotiations at the last minute.

Their €5 million loan bid with a €28 million option to buy was swiftly rejected by Atalanta, who preferred an outright sale. With the German transfer window now closed, Bayern’s hopes have collapsed, paving the way for Lookman’s representatives to intensify talks with Galatasaray.

The Turkish side now see an opportunity to replicate the Osimhen phenomenon after giving the Nigerian star a home during a turbulent time at Napoli on loan before signing him permanently this season.