(DDM) – Fresh reports from Turkey suggest that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has personally encouraged his national teammate, Ademola Lookman, to make a sensational switch to Galatasaray in 2026.
Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered that Turkish sports analyst Zeki Uzundurukan disclosed the development while speaking on Habersarikirmizi, noting that both players held the private conversation during Nigeria’s 4–1 World Cup playoff victory over Gabon in Morocco.
Uzundurukan narrated that Osimhen had taken the opportunity to speak with Lookman shortly after the match, encouraging him to consider a move to the Turkish champions, who have been tracking the Atalanta star for more than a year.
He claimed that Osimhen not only pushed Lookman toward the transfer but also shared information about the club, its ambitions, and the growing number of elite African players in the Turkish Super Lig.
The commentator stressed that Lookman himself is open to the transfer and is eager to embrace a new chapter away from Serie A, after a failed exit attempt last summer.
Galatasaray have been monitoring Lookman since the previous transfer window, when Atalanta refused to sanction his move following a strong individual season in Italy.
The Turkish giants, however, are expected to return with a stronger offer in January and again during the 2026 window, depending on Atalanta’s position.
Uzundurukan revealed that Lookman’s estimated annual salary demand sits at around €8 million, a figure Galatasaray are reportedly willing to negotiate as part of a long-term offensive rebuild.
The Turkish club have been aggressively scouting forwards who can strengthen their Champions League campaign and maintain their domestic dominance.
Osimhen’s direct involvement in the discussions has added further momentum to the rumours, especially as the Napoli striker maintains close ties with Turkish football circles through agents and personal connections.
Football insiders believe Osimhen’s influence could play a decisive role, given his rising profile in European football and his ability to sway fellow Nigerian internationals toward attractive career moves.
Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon, which secured their qualification for the next phase and set up a clash with DR Congo, provided the perfect setting for the forward-to-forward conversation.
Lookman, who scored crucial goals for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON, has continued to attract interest from top clubs due to his versatility, quick decision-making, and consistency for both club and country.
Reports in Turkey suggest that Galatasaray are now weighing their options ahead of a renewed approach, with Lookman’s camp reportedly open to further negotiations before the year ends.
If the move materializes, it could become one of the most significant Super Eagles-influenced transfers into the Turkish league in recent years, signalling a new wave of Nigerian stars heading to Istanbul.
For now, both clubs and the players remain silent, but Uzundurukan insists that discussions are active and could intensify after Nigeria’s next match against DR Congo.