Galatasaray Criticised for Missing Ademola Lookman as Insider Regrets Failed January Move
Galatasaray insider Süleyman Rodop has openly criticised the club’s leadership for failing to secure Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the January transfer window, claiming the Yellow-Reds missed a golden opportunity that could have shaped their season.
According to Rodop, he made repeated calls urging executives to push for the deal before Lookman eventually completed a move to Atlético Madrid, where he has quickly begun to make a strong impact. The winger recently delivered a standout performance in the Copa del Rey, scoring once and providing an assist as Atlético recorded a commanding 4-0 victory over Barcelona.
Before heading to Spain, Lookman had been heavily linked with a switch to Galatasaray, while their fierce rivals Fenerbahçe also pushed hard to sign him from Atalanta. However, the proposed transfer collapsed at the final stage when the required bank guarantee could not be provided, clearing the path for Atlético to complete the deal.
Rodop, speaking via Turkish media, praised Lookman’s form and suggested the Istanbul giants may regret their hesitation. He even claimed that signing the Nigerian forward could have guaranteed the championship, highlighting how highly he rated the player’s quality and attacking influence.
Since arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano, Lookman has maintained impressive momentum, contributing two goals and two assists in his first three appearances across competitions — a start that has strengthened the argument that Galatasaray missed a transformative signing.
From an opinion perspective, this situation perfectly illustrates how decisive transfer windows can define a club’s trajectory. In modern football, hesitation often proves costly, especially when dealing with players entering peak form. Lookman’s explosive performances in Spain show that timing is everything; while Galatasaray weighed their options, Atlético Madrid acted quickly and now appear to be reaping the rewards.
It also raises a broader question about recruitment strategy in Turkish football. Clubs with title ambitions must be willing to take calculated risks on players who fit their system, rather than waiting for absolute certainty. Lookman’s pressing ability, versatility, and attacking intelligence could have added a new dimension to Galatasaray’s frontline — and his early success elsewhere may serve as a painful reminder of what might have been.
For Nigerian fans, however, the story carries a positive tone. Seeing Lookman thrive on one of Europe’s biggest stages reinforces the growing global influence of Super Eagles talents, proving once again that opportunities seized at the right moment can reshape both a player’s career and a club’s destiny.
