Revealed: How Fenerbahce flopped Ademola Lookman transfer to sign N’Golo Kante

Turkish journalist Ibrahim Seten has revealed that Fenerbahçe came very close to signing Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in January, but failed to secure him due to their negligence, Afrik-Foot reports.

​After Lookman failed to secure a move away from Atalanta last summer, it remained highly likely that he would eventually leave the club.

​He ultimately completed a €40 million (plus add-ons) transfer to Atlético Madrid, a move that has proven to be a masterstroke. The Super Eagles forward has already contributed nine goals and four assists in 23 appearances for Los Colchoneros.

​His instant success in Madrid has left previous suitors rueing their decision not to push harder for his signature last summer or in January. Several top clubs, including Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe, were rumored to be monitoring him.

​In fact, Seten claims that Fenerbahçe were on the cusp of finalizing a agreement, only to bungle it at the eleventh hour.

​How Fenerbahçe Narrowly Missed Out on Ademola Lookman

​According to Seten, Fenerbahçe were on the verge of securing Lookman during the January transfer window.

​The journalist claimed that Lookman had already signed his contract, leaving Fenerbahçe with the simple task of submitting it to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for ratification.

However, the club hesitated because they were prioritizing a move for N’Golo Kanté. That delay allowed Atlético Madrid to swoop in and steal his signature.

​”There is a shocking document regarding Ademola Lookman,” Seten said.

​”Lookman signed the contract and sent it to Fenerbahçe. The only thing Fenerbahçe needed to do at that stage was sign the document and submit it to the TFF.

​”Fenerbahçe, however, wanted to finalize the N’Golo Kanté transfer first, so they sat on the document for three days. Funds were allocated to Kanté, and then they started looking for excuses.”

​Following the clos of the January window, sections of the Fenerbahçe fan base criticized the club’s lack of high-profile signings to aid their title charge against bitter rivals Galatasaray. Fenerbahçe ultimately finished the campaign in second place.

​Meanwhile, Lookman is thriving at Atléti and will look to play an even more pivotal role for the Spanish side next season.