Fenerbahçe S.K. president Sadettin Saran has revealed details behind the club’s failed attempt to sign Ademola Lookman during the winter transfer window, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Turkish giants were close to securing the services of the Nigerian international after submitting a €35 million bid to Atalanta BC. However, negotiations eventually broke down due to disagreements surrounding the financial guarantees required to complete the deal.
Lookman later completed a move to Spanish heavyweights Atlético Madrid instead.
Speaking on the development, Saran explained that discussions initially progressed positively with both the player’s representatives and Atalanta officials before complications emerged.
“On December 19th, as soon as my foreign ban was lifted, I went to Milan for Lookman and met his manager,” Saran told STAR.
“Everything went very well. Then we spoke with Atalanta officials, and things were positive, but later they asked for a letter of guarantee because they said Turkish clubs sometimes struggle with payments.”
“We told them we owe no one and that we would pay everything. Lookman spoke with our coach two or three times, and he wanted to come.”
“Atalanta came again, asking for the guarantee. They didn’t want to give the transfer to us; they preferred Atlético Madrid. That’s how the process ended.”
Lookman eventually sealed a move to Atlético Madrid, bringing an end to Fenerbahçe’s pursuit despite the club’s strong interest in the Super Eagles winger.