Lookman on the brink of rivalry with Super Eagles teammate Osimhen as Turkish giants meet Atalanta

Ademola Lookman could soon find himself on a collision course with Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, as Turkish heavyweights continue to circle the Atalanta star.

With direct talks scheduled between Fenerbahçe and Atalanta in Italy, the Nigerian winger’s future has become a major talking point across Europe.

Direct club-to-club talks between Fenerbahçe and Atalanta are expected to take place in Italy, with the Turkish side also planning discussions on personal terms as they step up their pursuit of Lookman.

Both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray have already made formal approaches this winter, but Atalanta have stood firm, insisting the 27-year-old will not be allowed to leave unless a premium offer arrives.

Galatasaray explored a loan-plus-option structure, while Fenerbahçe sounded out a permanent transfer. However, neither proposal came close to Atalanta’s valuation. According to reports, the Serie A club are holding out for a minimum fee of €45 million and will not sanction a January sale unless that figure is met.

Sporting director Tony D’Amico has repeatedly blocked moves for Lookman, including rejecting bids of around €35 million from Inter Milan in summer 2025, and turning away interest from Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs earlier this season.

D’Amico has also publicly stressed that Lookman is “central to Atalanta’s sporting project,” making a mid-season exit highly unlikely.

The potential rivalry angle comes into focus with Galatasaray, where Victor Osimhen is a key figure and had reportedly encouraged Lookman to join him in Istanbul.

That move would have set up a direct club-level link, but a transfer to Galatasaray's fierce rivals Fenerbahce, puts the two Nigerians on the warpath. However, Atalanta’s resistance has so far prevented any such scenario from materialising.

Napoli are also monitoring the situation closely, especially after their Champions League exit, with Antonio Conte pushing for attacking reinforcements. Reports suggest Napoli are considering a loan move, though alternatives like Alisson Santos and Martin Terrier are also on their shortlist.

Atalanta president Luca Percassi has moved to cool speculation, insisting the club is not preparing for Lookman’s departure. He stressed that the arrival of Giacomo Raspadori does not signal an impending sale, saying: “The arrival of Raspadori was a market opportunity that did not presuppose the disposal of another player.”

For now, Atalanta will weigh their options regarding a possible switch for Lookman as they navigate a tight Serie A title fight as well as the Champions League knockout stages.