Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran has revealed why the Turkish club failed to sign Ademola Lookman before the Nigerian forward eventually joined Atlético Madrid during the January transfer window.
Lookman had been seeking a move away from Atalanta after making his desire to leave clear last summer. However, the Serie A club were initially reluctant to sanction his departure despite interest from several clubs.
Saran explained that negotiations between the Turkish side and Atalanta had progressed well at first.
Speaking to the club’s television channel, he said he travelled to Milan to meet the player’s representatives shortly after a restriction on his international dealings was lifted.
“On December 19, as soon as my foreign ban was lifted, I went to Milan for Lookman and met his manager,” Saran said.
“Everything went very well. Then we spoke with Atalanta officials and things were positive.”
Photo Credit: Imago
However, the negotiations eventually collapsed after Atalanta requested a financial guarantee for the transfer fee, citing concerns about payment reliability from Turkish clubs.
Saran said Fenerbahce refused to provide the requested document, insisting the club had no outstanding debts and would meet its obligations.
While the discussions stalled, Atlético Madrid moved quickly to secure the Nigeria international.
According to Saran, Atalanta ultimately preferred to complete the deal with the Spanish side.
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“They came again asking for the guarantee. They didn’t want to give the transfer to us, they preferred Atlético Madrid. That’s how the process ended,” he said.
Lookman celebrating his first ever goal for Atlético Madrid. Photo Credit: Imago
Since arriving at the Madrid club, Lookman has made a strong start under coach Diego Simeone, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 11 appearances.
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The 28-year-old forward had earlier boosted his reputation with standout performances for the Nigeria national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he recorded three goals and four assists.
