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Fenerbahçe Growing Frustrated as Ademola Lookman Talks With Atalanta Stall

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Fenerbahçe Growing Frustrated as Ademola Lookman Talks With Atalanta Stall

Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahçe are reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated with Atalanta over negotiations for Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman, with the club now considering walking away from the deal if progress is not made soon.

According to reports, recent talks between both clubs ended on a negative note, largely due to Atalanta’s failure to provide the required bank guarantees. Despite the setback, Fenerbahçe remain keen on reviving discussions, although patience within the Turkish camp is wearing thin.

Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed the impasse, stating:
“Talks between Fenerbahçe and Atalanta for Lookman have stalled, and there seems to be little scope for further negotiations.”

Fenerbahçe have already tabled a substantial offer of €35 million upfront, with an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses. The Istanbul-based club believes this proposal represents strong value and expects Atalanta to respond decisively.

Atlético Madrid remain a key rival in the race for Lookman’s signature, but their current offer reportedly falls short. The Spanish club has submitted a bid of around €25 million, which could rise to €30 million including bonuses — an amount Atalanta have already deemed insufficient.

Atalanta are holding out for a more lucrative deal and are understood to be demanding closer to €40 million before reopening serious negotiations. Fenerbahçe, however, are confident that unless Atlético significantly improve their offer to match that valuation, they remain well placed to push forward — provided talks with the Italian side can be revived.

With negotiations at a delicate stage, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether Lookman completes a move to Istanbul, Madrid, or remains in Bergamo.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.