Midnight operation in the Lookman transfer!

Fenerbahçe, continuing its title race in the Süper Lig, was preparing for one of the most ambitious moves of the transfer window, but a development from Italy disrupted plans in Kadıköy. Ademola Lookman, with whom the yellow-navy team had reached an agreement in principle, chose Atletico Madrid at the last minute.

REACHED THE SIGNING STAGE

Following days of negotiations with Atalanta, the Fenerbahçe management reached an agreement on a 40 million Euro package, consisting of a 35 million Euro guaranteed fee and 5 million Euro in bonuses. A handshake deal was also reached with the player's side regarding his annual salary, and plans were made to bring Lookman to Istanbul for medical examinations. Reliable sources reported that the parties had carried the process to the "signing point."

PAYMENT TERMS LOCKED THE TABLE

The biggest obstacle to the transfer was Atalanta's demand for a large portion of the transfer fee to be paid upfront. The Italian club requested that approximately 25 million Euro be paid immediately and demanded strong, internationally valid bank guarantees for the remainder. When Fenerbahçe insisted on spreading the payment plan over time, negotiations came to a standstill at that point.

QUICK MOVE FROM MADRID

During the hours when negotiations were stalled, Atletico Madrid stepped in. For Lookman, who was specifically requested by Diego Simeone, the Spanish club accepted the payment and guarantee terms offered by Atalanta exactly as they were. While the transfer fee remained at the same level as Fenerbahçe's offer, it was stated that the annual salary offer presented to the player was also attractive.

DECISION CHANGED AT THE LAST MINUTE

The 28-year-old star, who initially approached Fenerbahçe's project positively, chose Spain after the clubs failed to agree on a payment plan and Atletico Madrid brought the Champions League factor to the table.

News Source: 12punto