Turkish football commentator and pundit Levent Tüzemen has identified Victor Osimhen as the primary catalyst for Galatasaray’s potential acquisition of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Speaking on the Libero TV YouTube channel, Tüzemen provided an in-depth update on the Süper Lig giant’s January transfer strategy, emphasizing that the presence of the reigning African Player of the Year in Istanbul gives Galatasaray a distinct edge over local rivals.
Lookman, who sought an exit from Atalanta last summer before ultimately remaining in Bergamo, has emerged as a top priority for several Turkish clubs looking to bolster their offensive lines for the second half of the season.
Tüzemen revealed that Osimhen is actively leveraging his close relationship with his international teammate to facilitate the move to Al-Awwal Park’s sister club in Turkey. While Fenerbahçe has also entered formal discussions to secure the 28-year-old winger, the personal endorsement from Osimhen appears to be the most significant factor working in Galatasaray’s favor. The pundit noted that the prospect of reuniting at the club level has intrigued Lookman, who previously explored a move to Inter Milan during the previous transfer window.
“Victor Osimhen is one of those trying to convince Lookman to transfer to Galatasaray,” Tüzemen said via Habersarikirmizi. “Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are in talks. However, Osimhen is the biggest advantage for Galatasaray.”
The timing of these negotiations coincides with both players representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Despite a highly publicized on-field disagreement during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique earlier this week, sources close to the camp suggest the pair have reconciled, with transfer discussions continuing behind the scenes. Lookman’s stellar form in Morocco—where he has already contributed three goals and four assists—has only intensified the interest from the Istanbul giants, who view him as a “game-changing” addition to their championship-chasing squad.
Atalanta reportedly values Lookman between €40 million and €50 million, though Turkish reports suggest a structured loan-to-buy agreement could satisfy the Italian side’s demands. Galatasaray sporting director Deco is reportedly monitoring the situation closely while the players focus on Nigeria’s upcoming quarter-final match against Algeria. If the transfer materializes, it would mark one of the most significant winter moves in Süper Lig history, potentially pairing two of Africa’s most lethal attackers under the same club banner for the 2026 title race.
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