Lookman, Salah will turn Fenerbahçe into Osimhen and Galatasaray’s worst nightmare

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman and Liverpool legend Mo Salah are at the centre of massive transfer plans at Fenerbahçe, Afrik-Foot reports.

The two African footballers have become frequent topics in intense conversations ahead of the upcoming Fenerbahçe presidential elections. The boardroom power play is quickly turning into a contest over who can convince supporters that the club is ready to end Galatasaray’s grip on Turkish football.

With elections scheduled for June 6 and 7, ambitious promises are being made in Istanbul. Among the biggest talking points are plans to bring two of the most exciting attacking players in world football to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium; Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria international Ademola Lookman.

Reports in Turkey suggest both players have emerged as priority targets as Fenerbahçe look for a statement response to another frustrating season behind their city rivals.

Salah remains one of the most respected forwards of his generation after a glittering spell at Liverpool. The Egyptian star won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and numerous individual awards during his years at Anfield, becoming one of the most feared attackers in Europe.

Presidential candidate Hakan Safi is reportedly leading efforts to convince the 33-year-old that Fenerbahçe can offer him a new challenge while keeping him at the highest level of European football. Rival candidate Aziz Yıldırım has also made it clear that finances will not stand in the way if the opportunity arises.

At the same time, Fenerbahçe have revived their pursuit of Lookman after coming close to signing the Atalanta forward during the winter transfer window.

The Nigeria international has settled well at Atlético Madrid after joining the club from Atalanta in February. Since helping Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League with a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman has continued to enhance his reputation with goals, pace and creativity.

Signing either player would be significant for Fenerbahçe. Signing both would send a powerful message to the rest of Turkish football that the club intends to reclaim its place at the top.

Osimhen and Galatasaray’s era of dominance

The urgency behind Fenerbahçe’s transfer plans can be explained by one name: Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray have established themselves as the dominant force in Turkey, winning four consecutive Süper Lig titles under coach Okan Buruk. Their latest championship was secured after another impressive campaign in which they finished four points ahead of Fenerbahçe.

The Lions have now stretched their record tally to 26 league titles, opening an even wider gap over Fenerbahçe’s 19 championships.

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen as been at the centre of the club’s recent success.

The Nigerian star has become the face of Galatasaray’s modern dynasty. His goals, physical presence and relentless pressing have transformed the club’s attack. During the 2025-26 season, he scored 22 goals in all competitions and helped Galatasaray reach the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.

Alongside Mauro Icardi, Osimhen has given defenders across Turkey a problem they have struggled to solve. Whether opponents sit deep or press high, Galatasaray possess a striker capable of punishing mistakes, attacking space and deciding matches almost on his own.

The club’s supporters have repeatedly urged him to remain in Istanbul despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. If he stays, many observers believe Galatasaray would begin next season as overwhelming favourites to win a fifth consecutive league title.

Lookman to lead Fenerbahçe’s return to the top?

That possibility explains why Fenerbahçe are searching for extraordinary solutions rather than ordinary signings.

A front line featuring Salah and Lookman could provide exactly that.

Salah would bring elite experience, leadership and a proven record of performing on football’s biggest stages. Even in the latter stages of his career, his movement, finishing and ability to create chances remain exceptional.

Lookman, who reportedly has been transfer-listed by Atletico Madrid, would add a different dimension. His direct running, acceleration and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations would give Fenerbahçe an attacking threat capable of stretching any defence in the league. The former Everton winger was nurtured in the Premier League, remoulded in the Bundesliga, became a monster in Serie A and has taken the Spanish La Liga by storm. He would crush all in front of him in the Turkish Super Lig.

Together, Lookman and Salah could transform the psychological balance of power in Istanbul. Over the past four seasons, Galatasaray have entered title races with an aura of inevitability. Fenerbahçe have often possessed quality but lacked the extra edge needed to overcome their rivals in decisive moments.

The arrival of two internationally recognised stars would change that perception immediately. It would give Fenerbahçe greater firepower, more creativity and a stronger mentality heading into the derby matches that frequently shape the destination of the title.

Most importantly, it would provide a genuine answer to the challenge posed by Osimhen and Galatasaray.

Fenerbahçe know that stopping one of Turkish football’s greatest modern dynasties will not be easy. But if they can persuade Salah and Lookman to join forces in Kadıköy, they may finally possess the attacking force capable of ending Galatasaray’s monopoly and bringing the Süper Lig trophy back across the Bosphorus.