Galatasaray eye Lookman as the Turkish champions reportedly ask Victor Osimhen to help convince the Nigerian star to join them

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly enlisted the support of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in an ambitious bid to sign fellow Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atlético Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Also read: Chelsea eye Osimhen as Galatasaray demand €150m fee

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Galatasaray are exploring ways to persuade Lookman to move to Istanbul and have asked Osimhen to use his close relationship with his international teammate to help facilitate discussions.

The reported approach underlines Galatasaray’s determination to strengthen their squad with another high-profile Nigerian star following Osimhen’s successful spell at the club.

Lookman has emerged as one of Atlético Madrid’s standout performers since joining the Spanish side from Atalanta in a €35 million transfer during the January window.

The 28-year-old contributed five goals and four assists in 24 appearances under Diego Simeone, playing a decisive role in Atlético Madrid’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Copa del Rey final.

Several of those contributions came in crucial fixtures against Barcelona.

Despite Galatasaray’s interest, completing the transfer is expected to be a formidable challenge.

Atlético Madrid are reportedly reluctant to weaken their squad further amid uncertainty surrounding several senior players.

With Antoine Griezmann already departed and ongoing discussions involving Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, the Spanish club are unlikely to welcome another major exit without a substantial offer.

Lookman’s versatility across the forward line and his consistent attacking output have made him an important figure in Simeone’s plans, increasing the difficulty of any potential negotiations.

Financial considerations also present a significant hurdle.

The Nigerian forward is believed to earn considerably more in Spain than most Galatasaray players, with the exception of Osimhen, whose reported €21 million annual package remains one of the most lucrative deals in Turkish football.

Bridging that financial gap would likely require an innovative and carefully structured proposal from the Turkish champions.

Osimhen’s strong relationship with Galatasaray could, however, provide an important advantage. The striker has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the club and its supporters since initially arriving on loan during the 2024/25 season before completing a permanent €75 million move last summer.

Lookman has been linked with several clubs in recent years, including Inter Milan and Fenerbahçe, but Galatasaray appear eager to make a decisive move.

Also read: Victor Osimhen delighted after Galatasaray triumph

Whether the Turkish champions can present an offer attractive enough to convince Atlético Madrid to part with one of their most influential attackers remains the pivotal question in what is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer pursuits.