02.02.2026 08:30
The transfer of Ademola Lookman, which Fenerbahçe had reached the agreement stage for, was canceled due to Atletico Madrid intervening at the last moment, bank guarantees, and distrust between the clubs.
Fenerbahçe, which worked intensively during the transfer period, had discussions for Ademola Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, but the negotiations ended without a result at the last moment. The Nigerian footballer, who was very close to an agreement with the yellow-navy team, chose Atletico Madrid instead.
AGREEMENT COMPLETED, SIGNING STAGE REACHED
It was learned that Fenerbahçe reached an agreement with Atalanta for a transfer fee of 35 million euros and a bonus of 5 million euros, and also shook hands with Lookman on an annual salary of 8 million euros. It was stated that all conditions largely clarified during the process leading to the signing stage of the transfer.
ATLETICO MADRID INTERVENED AT THE LAST MOMENT
In the final moments, Atletico Madrid's intervention changed the dynamics. While Fenerbahçe faced difficulties regarding bank guarantees, the Spanish club's offer of the same transfer fee shifted the transfer process to a different point.
PHONE CALL FROM NAPOLI AFFECTED THE PROCESS
It was claimed that a surprise phone call from Napoli to Atalanta also had an impact during this process. The Italian club's warning that "financial issues can arise with Turkish teams" was suggested to have influenced Lookman's decision.
SIMEONE FACTOR AND LOWER SALARY
It was noted that Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone also had a video call with Lookman. It was reported that the Nigerian footballer preferred Atletico Madrid by accepting a lower salary than Fenerbahçe. The Spanish press wrote that Lookman would make significant contributions to the attack line after Raspadori's departure.
SEASON PERFORMANCE
Ademola Lookman scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in the 19 matches he played in the first half of the season.