Atletico Madrid’s players Jorge ‘Koke’ Resurreccion (L), Ademola Lookman (C) and Marcos Llorente (R) in action during a training session at the Majadahonda Sports Complex in Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain, 13 March 2026. Atletico Madrid will face Getafe FC in a Spanish LaLiga match on 14 March 2026. EPA/ZIPI
Sunday Mar 15, 2026. 13:00
Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran has revealed why Nigerian International Ademola Lookman chose Atletico Madrid as his destination following failed negotiations with the Turkish giants.
Lookman became one of Africa’ most sought-after players in recent years, following his exploits with Atalanta in Serie A.
While Lookman was linked with a move to Fenerbahçe, the exciting attacker ended up at Atletico Madrid as Saran revealed his former side requested a letter of financial guarantee regarding their finances.
“On December 19, as soon as my foreign ban was lifted, I went to Milan for Lookman and met his manager,” Saran told the club’s television channel, as per the Guardian NG.
“We spoke with the club officials and everything went well. But later they asked for a letter of guarantee, saying they could not get their money from Turkish clubs.
“We told them we owe no one and we will pay our debts. But they insisted on a letter of guarantee.”