Italian football agent George Gardi has shed light on why Ademola Lookman did not reunite with fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray S.K., despite strong interest from the Turkish giants.

Galatasaray had reportedly pursued Lookman from Atalanta BC over the last two transfer windows. Osimhen himself previously disclosed that he had been in contact with Lookman, encouraging him to make the move to Istanbul.

However, the transfer never materialized. Lookman eventually secured a move to Atlético Madrid during the January transfer window.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Gardi explained that several factors prevented the deal from going through.

“Especially with top-level players, sometimes transfers don’t fall through. There are endless variables,” he said.

He revealed that after Lookman’s proposed move to Inter Milan collapsed last summer, he attempted to structure a deal similar to Osimhen’s—potentially a loan with an option to buy. However, Atalanta were unwilling to sanction the move. A renewed attempt in January also failed, with the Bergamo-based club’s financial demands reportedly too high.

Opinion: Transfers Are More Than Just Desire

The revelation highlights a common reality in modern football—transfers are rarely straightforward. Even when players are interested, teammates are persuasive, and agents are proactive, club priorities and financial considerations often dictate the final outcome.

For Galatasaray fans, the idea of Osimhen and Lookman linking up at club level would have been mouthwatering. Both players possess pace, flair, and goal-scoring ability that could have formed one of Europe’s most exciting attacking duos.

Yet, Atalanta’s decision to retain Lookman reflects another side of the equation: clubs are increasingly protective of their key assets, especially when market value is rising. Letting go of a top performer on flexible loan terms may not align with long-term strategy.

In the end, Lookman’s move to Atlético Madrid shows that opportunities evolve. While a reunion with Osimhen did not happen this time, the transfer saga underlines how interconnected European football has become—and how a single collapsed deal can redirect a player’s entire career path.

For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every headline is a complex negotiation filled with timing, valuation, ambition, and strategy.