Victor Osimhen is said to be personally lobbying Ademola Lookman to make the move to Galatasaray as the Turkish giants push for a deal.
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Nigerian Matchday Editorial•Aug 2, 2026
Victor Osimhen is said to be personally lobbying Ademola Lookman to make the move to Galatasaray as the Turkish giants push for a deal.
Two of Nigeria’s biggest football exports could soon be club teammates again. Victor Osimhen has reportedly taken it upon himself to convince Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman to join him at Galatasaray, with the Turkish champions stepping up their pursuit of the winger.
According to reports out of Turkey via Habersarikirmizi, Osimhen has spoken directly with Lookman about making the move to Istanbul. The pitch, as described, leans heavily on the dressing-room angle — Osimhen is said to be portraying Galatasaray’s squad as a tight-knit group and encouraging his international teammate to come and experience it for himself.
That said, Osimhen isn’t the only factor at play. Galatasaray are reportedly competing with Fenerbahçe for Lookman’s signature, while his current club, Atlético Madrid, are said to be holding firm on a valuation in the region of €50 million.
Since arriving at Atlético Madrid, Lookman has made an immediate impact — nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances. That kind of return explains why Atlético are reportedly reluctant to let him go cheaply, even with two of Turkey’s biggest clubs circling.
In fact, reports suggest Atlético see Lookman as more than just a squad option. His versatility across the front line makes him a candidate to cover for Mauro Icardi amid ongoing uncertainty over the striker’s future in Madrid, which only strengthens the club’s negotiating position.
Osimhen and Lookman have been Super Eagles teammates for years, most recently sharing the pitch during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 run to a bronze medal in Morocco — a squad we’ve been tracking closely as it builds toward the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. Lookman, in particular, was central to that campaign — scoring the winning penalty in the third-place play-off win over Egypt.
As a result, any move that reunites the pair at club level would carry weight beyond the transfer fee. Nigerian fans have watched both players carry the Super Eagles’ attacking output for several seasons now, and a shared dressing room in Istanbul would keep that partnership visible at club level too.
Nothing is confirmed. Atlético’s valuation remains a real obstacle, and Fenerbahçe’s interest means Galatasaray don’t have a clear run at the deal. Meanwhile, Lookman himself hasn’t publicly commented on the reported approach from Osimhen.
We’ll update this article as the transfer saga develops — and if you want the full picture on where Nigeria’s biggest exports have landed this season, our Ademola Lookman player spotlight is a good next read. For now, it’s one of the more intriguing storylines involving Nigerian internationals this window — two teammates who’ve shared a Super Eagles dressing room possibly reuniting at club level too.
Nothing is confirmed. Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are both reportedly interested, but Atlético are said to want around €50 million for him.
Reports say Osimhen is personally encouraging his Super Eagles teammate to join him at Galatasaray, acting as an informal recruiter for the Turkish club.
He has contributed nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances since joining, and is reportedly viewed as cover for Mauro Icardi.
Source: OneFootball.
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