Fenerbahce Chief Slams Atalanta as Insulting Over Failed Ademola Lookman Transfer
Murat Salar, the vice president of Turkish football giants Fenerbahce, has spoken out with frustration and anger after the club failed to secure the signing of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the January transfer window. In a candid interview, Salar blamed Italian side Atalanta for the breakdown of talks, describing their actions as deeply disrespectful to the historic Turkish club.
Financial Package and High Hopes
Fenerbahce believed they were in a commanding position to acquire the 28-year-old Nigeria international, having agreed to a comprehensive financial package worth up to €40 million, including various performance-related bonuses. Reports from both Turkey and Italy indicated that Fenerbahce was leading the race for Lookman's signature, even as interest from Spanish clubs began to intensify.
The Turkish club was prepared to offer Lookman a lucrative contract exceeding €9 million per season, a clear demonstration of their strong desire and commitment to bringing the talented attacker to Istanbul. This substantial offer highlighted how highly Fenerbahce valued Lookman's abilities and potential impact on their squad.
Atalanta's Demands and Perceived Insult
However, as negotiations progressed regarding the payment structure of the transfer fee, Atalanta introduced a significant obstacle. The Italian club demanded a bank guarantee before approving the transfer, a requirement that Fenerbahce found unnecessary and offensive. Murat Salar expressed his outrage, stating that this demand was taken as a personal insult to Fenerbahce's longstanding reputation and financial credibility.
"We took this as an insult to ourselves," Salar told the club's official television channel. "We said, 'Which bank's reputation is higher than the 120-year-old Fenerbahce club?'" This rhetorical question underscored the club's pride in its history and stability, suggesting that Atalanta's request implied a lack of trust in Fenerbahce's financial standing.
Atletico Madrid's Swift Intervention
While Fenerbahce was still engaged in negotiations over these terms, Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid moved quickly to secure Lookman's services. Atletico agreed to a deal worth approximately €35 million plus additional bonuses, completing the transfer efficiently and leaving Fenerbahce behind in the process. This swift action by the Spanish club caught Fenerbahce off guard and ultimately led to the collapse of their own deal.
Lookman's Immediate Impact in Spain
Despite the transfer saga in Turkey, Ademola Lookman has wasted no time in proving his worth at his new club. On his debut for Atletico Madrid, the Super Eagles star scored one goal and provided an assist in an impressive 5-0 victory over Real Betis. This performance helped secure a Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Barcelona.
In the first leg of that semi-final, Lookman once again stole the spotlight, contributing a goal and an assist in a stunning 4-0 win for Atletico. These performances mean he has already tallied two goals and two assists in just three appearances for his new team, showcasing his immediate adaptation and value.
Looking Ahead to the Copa del Rey Final
A positive result in the return match scheduled for March 3 would send Atletico Madrid into the Copa del Rey final. Manager Diego Simeone is aiming to lift the trophy once again, having previously won it in 2024. Lookman's contributions could be pivotal in achieving this goal, adding further irony to Fenerbahce's missed opportunity.
The entire episode highlights the competitive and often contentious nature of football transfers, where financial negotiations, club reputations, and swift actions can determine outcomes. For Fenerbahce, the failure to sign Lookman remains a sore point, compounded by his rapid success in Spain.
