Galatasaray are continuing to monitor the situation surrounding Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and could potentially deploy a similar tactic used to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli last summer.
The Turkish champions remain interested in a potential deal for the 27-year-old Nigerian, who is still at Atalanta despite handing in a formal transfer request earlier this summer.
According to reports from Rudi Galetti, Galatasaray are not restricted by the Serie A transfer deadline, which falls at 7 pm on Monday evening, as the window in Turkey remains open until Sunday, 12th September.
While Serie A clubs will not be able to sign players after Monday evening, they will still be able to sell to divisions whose windows remain open.
Lookman’s situation at Atalanta became complicated after Inter Milan’s €45m bid was turned down earlier in the window, leading the player to release a statement on social media confirming he had handed in a transfer request whilst accusing his employers of poor treatment and broken promises.
The winger claimed he had an agreement with the club to let him leave if an appropriate offer came in this summer. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi confirmed this was true, but only for top clubs outside Serie A, which hindered a move to San Siro.
Lookman subsequently abandoned Atalanta training and returned to the UK to work separately while waiting for updates on a potential move. He has since returned to the club but continues to train individually.
Galatasaray successfully used a similar late-window strategy to sign compatriot Osimhen from Napoli last year after deadline day negotiations with Al-Ahli and Chelsea collapsed. The Turkish side have since made that move permanent at a cost of €75m.
