Ademola Lookman: Real reason Fenerbahçe still believe they can sign Super Eagles star

Ademola Lookman has returned to Atlético Madrid for pre-season training, ending weeks of speculation over his future after being linked with several clubs, including Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles forward only joined Atlético from Atalanta in February 2026 in a deal worth around €40 million, and he quickly became Diego Simeone’s go-to attacker during the second half of the campaign.

After a demanding season for club and country, Atlético requested that the Nigeria Football Federation excuse Lookman from the Super Eagles’ June international matches. The decision allowed the reigning African Footballer of the Year to enjoy a longer summer break before the start of the new season.

Rather than spending the holiday completely away from football, the 28-year-old followed a personalised fitness programme in Algarve, Portugal. Working with a personal trainer, Lookman focused on endurance drills, ball work and conditioning so he could report back to Madrid in top physical condition.

He officially returned to Atlético’s training base on July 13, where teammates welcomed him with the club’s traditional “welcome tunnel” before preparations for the new campaign began.

Spanish reports suggest Simeone already sees Lookman as one of the first names on his team sheet. Although naturally a left winger, the Argentine coach is expected to use the Nigerian more frequently as a second striker because of his finishing ability and movement inside the penalty area.

Atlético will rely heavily on him as they compete for the La Liga title and challenge in the UEFA Champions League, with their league season beginning on August 16 against Málaga.

Ademola Lookman: Saudi interest could reopen Fenerbahçe’s pursuit

Despite Lookman’s return to Madrid, reports from Turkey claim Fenerbahçe have not completely abandoned their dream of signing the Nigerian international.

The key to any possible move is Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who has attracted serious interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

According to Turkish media, Al-Ahli have submitted an offer worth around €35 million for the 27-year-old winger. If Fenerbahçe agree to sell him, the club would have the financial power to launch a fresh bid for Lookman, with reports suggesting an offer in the region of €40 million to €50 million.

Fenerbahçe’s interest is not new. During the winter transfer window earlier this year, Lookman reportedly agreed personal terms with the Turkish club. However, Fenerbahçe delayed completing the transfer while prioritising the signing of N’Golo Kanté, giving Atlético Madrid the opportunity to step in and complete the deal instead.

Even so, completing a transfer this summer remains extremely difficult. Atlético are understood to value Lookman at between €50 million and €60 million, significantly higher than the fee they paid just a few months ago. The Nigerian is also under contract until 2031, leaving the Spanish club in a very strong negotiating position.

Simeone reportedly considers Lookman a key part of Atlético’s long-term project and an important player as the club prepares for life after Antoine Griezmann. That makes Atlético reluctant to listen to offers, regardless of Fenerbahçe’s interest.

Still, the only realistic route to a Lookman transfer to Fenerbahçe depends on a chain of events. Al-Ahli must first complete the signing of Aktürkoğlu, Fenerbahçe would then need to reinvest the transfer money, and finally Atlético would have to soften their firm stance on keeping one of their most valuable attacking players.

As things stand, the former Everton and Leicester City star is preparing for a first full season in Spain and raising the bar higher than he did last term.