Fener activates the bombs — Lookman about to sign, Kante is awaited

Fenerbahce has launched a full-scale offensive in the transfer market to dethrone Galatasaray this season and finally claim the long-awaited title.

The Turkish giants made key progress today in securing two major signings — Ademola Lookman and Sidiki Cherif. Fenerbahce officials have been in Italy for several days and intensified negotiations with Atalanta over the Nigerian forward last night, reaching a preliminary agreement in principle.

Fener’s offer stands at 40 milion euros, reportedly structured as 35 milion euros fixed plus 5 milion euros in bonuses. Atalanta initially sought 45 milion euros but was willing to negotiate down to align with realistic expectations. The next step is to formalize the offer and complete the transfer.

Lookman has already agreed to personal terms worth 7 milion euros net per season — a huge increase over the 1,8 milion euros per year he currently earns in Bergamo. Atletico Madrid was also interested in Lookman but could not match Fenerbahce financially. Atalanta has already signed Giacomo Raspadori as a replacement, and Lookman’s probable departure has halted the sale of Kamaldin Sulemane, who was targeted by Napoli and Roma.

Significant steps have also been taken toward acquiring French striking sensation Sidiki Cherif from Angers, who has attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Milan, and Eintracht this winter. Fener reached an agreement with Cherif last night, and today a loan offer with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for 22 milion euros was sent to Angers.

While Angers initially hoped to get 25 milion euros, no club offered that amount. Palace was willing to pay just under 20 milion euros, making Fener’s bid the best offer on the table. The final decision now rests with the French club.

Fener has also not abandoned plans for N’Golo Kante, with whom they have a verbal agreement. Al-Ittihad has received an offer of 4 milion euros, and the Turks expect the Saudis to eventually yield. Fener believes the Saudi club will capitulate because letting Kante go would save them around 12 milion euros, the remainder of his salary through the end of his contract.

Fener is close to parting ways with Colombian striker John Duran, who was loaned from Al-Nassr last summer with a massive 10 milion euros annual salary; after failing to impress, the loan will end, and the Saudis will send him on loan to French club Lille. Additionally, the departure of Youssef En-Nesyri is expected, with young Argentine Joaquín Paninchelli from Strasbourg potentially coming in as his replacement.