Lookman’s Galatasaray Move Hits a Wall as Reporter Reveals Eye-Watering Demands — Is Money Now the Real Barrier to Nigerian Football Dreams?
The excitement around a potential all-Nigerian link-up between Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray has been dealt a heavy blow — and the reason, as usual in modern football, comes down to money.
According to Galatasaray reporter Ali Naci Küçük, the Turkish giants are unlikely to push through with a deal for Lookman due to Atalanta’s lofty €60 million valuation and the winger’s own reported demand of €9 million per year in wages.
Speaking on SkySport’s YouTube channel, Küçük didn’t mince words:
“A transfer for Ademola Lookman is out of the question. Atalanta’s asking price for Lookman is €60 million. The player’s asking price is €9 million per year. Galatasaray paid those prices for Victor Osimhen. So, he won’t be able to come. A transfer for Lookman to Galatasaray is unlikely.”
While many fans had already begun dreaming of the deadly duo lighting up the Süper Lig, reality seems to have set in. Galatasaray — despite being one of Turkey’s richest clubs — are not ready to break their financial structure for another high-profile African star.
From an opinion standpoint, this development highlights an increasing divide between ambition and financial prudence in football. Clubs may want stars like Lookman, but they must also navigate strict budgets, wage caps, and sustainability goals.
For Lookman, his stock has undoubtedly risen following his electric performances for Atalanta — especially after that unforgettable Europa League final hat-trick. Yet, the question remains: should top African players like Lookman settle for smaller leagues just for paychecks, or wait for bigger European stages that better match their value?
Either way, fans might have to hold off on the dream of a Lookman-Osimhen reunion in Istanbul. Football, after all, isn’t just about passion — it’s business too.
Would you have loved to see Lookman and Osimhen play together for Galatasaray? 💭
