By Peter Omopo
Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has reached an agreement to join Turkish giants Galatasaray in the January transfer window.
Speculation from Turkey over the weekend claimed a deal had been concluded involving Lookman, his agents, and his club Atalanta. However, speaking on his Italian YouTube channel, Romano clarified that no such agreement currently exists.
“Reports from Turkey over the past two days have suggested that an agreement has already been reached to bring Lookman to Galatasaray in January. However, this is not the case,” Romano said. “As of now, there is no agreement between Galatasaray and Lookman, between the club and his agents, or between Galatasaray and Atalanta. No deal is currently in place for January.”
Romano confirmed that while Galatasaray maintain genuine interest in the 28-year-old, he is only one of several players under consideration as the club prepares to strengthen in the winter window.
“Galatasaray’s interest remains genuine. Lookman was a target at the end of the summer transfer window and remains on their radar. But he is not the only option they are evaluating,” he added.
The transfer expert stressed that any potential deal would depend heavily on Lookman’s personal decision and Atalanta’s stance. He also noted that no formal negotiations have begun.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has drawn attention from several clubs following a turbulent summer marked by a failed move to Inter Milan and a brief fallout with former coach Ivan Juric during a Champions League match in Marseille. Although Lookman was later reintegrated, Juric has since been replaced by Raffaele Palladino, leaving the player’s long-term prospects uncertain.
Galatasaray officials have hinted at January reinforcements but stopped short of confirming any targets. The club’s General Secretary, Eray Yazgan, recently said, “We have a great squad right now. We are building on it and will continue to strengthen as our coach desires.”
Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, remains under contract with Atalanta until June 2027. Any move for the forward would therefore require a significant financial commitment.
For now, Romano emphasised, the situation remains fluid: Galatasaray are monitoring Lookman, but no agreement—formal or informal—has been reached.
