Revealed: Why Ademola Lookman shunned Fenerbahce for Atletico Madrid

Fenerbahçe President Sadettin Saran has revealed that his side were backed into a corner in their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, Afrik Foot reports.

The 28-year-old made his interest in exiting Atalanta known to the club’s board last summer, but the La Dea hierarchy were unwilling to sanction a move.

Instead, they turned down several attempts and kept the player unhappy in Bergamo.

The AFCON 2025 break was kind to Lookman as he recorded three goals and four assists, the most goal contributions by any player in Morocco.

Fenerbahce then submitted a 35 million euro offer for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year during the winter transfer window, but there was some hesitation from Lookman and the club.

However, Atletico Madrid stepped in, and the Nigerian gave an immediate yes to the 2014 La Liga winners.

As such, the Turkish side were left stranded in the transfer market, while Lookman has thrived since moving to Madrid.

Fenerbahçe President opens up on Lookman’s Atletico Madrid move

Speaking in an interview with Fenerbahce TV by STAR, President Sadettin Saran unfolded the details behind Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid.

“Come to the Lookman thing. I don’t like to talk about players who don’t have our team.

“On December 19th, as soon as my foreign ban was lifted, I went to Milan for Lookman, and I met his manager.

“I had friends. It went very well. Then we talked to the club officials, and it went very well, and a week later they asked for a letter of guarantee, he said they couldn’t get their money from the Turkish clubs.

“We said we owed no one, we said, we’ll pay our debts, don’t ask for a letter of guarantee.

“Lookman met with our coach 2-3 times, and Lookman wanted to come, and the fee went up to 35 million Euros.

“Atalanta came again and asked for a letter of guarantee. They didn’t want to give it to us, they wanted Atletico Madrid. That’s how the process ended,” the 61-year-old concluded.

Lookman has scored four goals and provided two assists in 11 games for Diego Simeone’s men since moving to the Wanda Metropolitano last month.