Who Should Atalanta Sign To Replace Ademola Lookman? La Dea Monitoring Several Options As Nigerian Nears Galatasaray Move

Ademola Lookman is reportedly close to joining Galatasaray in the January transfer window, so who should Atalanta sign to replace the Nigerian?

Is Ademola Lookman Joining Galatasaray In January?

After multiple months of uncertainty, Ademola Lookman is reportedly ready to bring his time with Atalanta to an end by completing a move to Galatasaray.

Eray Yazgan, Galatasaray’s General Secretary, was asked about a possible move for Lookman in 2026 and claimed that the Turkish side are looking to build on their roster next year.

Lookman was set to leave Bergamo during the recent summer transfer window after posting a damning transfer request on social media and attracted heavy interest from Inter Milan.

The Nerazzurri ended their pursuit after a series of rejected bids and the Nigerian was forced to pay multiple fines after refusing to take part in training or pre-season friendlies.

Things have escalated quickly for Lookman this season, being involved in a heated argument with Ivan Juric during Atalanta’s 1-0 victory over Marseille.

Juric was handed his marching orders just under a week after the incident and Atalanta have now appointed Raffaele Palladino, who will enter his first job since parting ways with Fiorentina at the end of last season.

La Dea currently currently sit 13th in Serie A after a poor start to the campaign, which has left many wondering who Palladino will sign in January to turn Atalanta’s form around.

Lookman’s situation will take the highest priority during the January transfer window, as the Nigerian has been one of the clubs’ best players in recent years.

If the 28-year-old decides to leave the club then Palladino will need to find a suitable replacement to fill the void in attack and there are multiple options across Europe for La Dea to look into.

Who Should Atalanta Sign To Replace Lookman?

Sofiane Diop (Nice)

Sofiane Diop has enjoyed a strong campaign in Ligue 1 this season, contributing to seven goals in 12 league matches so far, but Nice have failed to climb up the table.

Franck Haise’s side currently sit ninth in the league table after picking-up 17 points, meaning they are at risk of missing out on European qualification.

Playing in European competition will be a major factor in Diop’s future decision, which is something that Atalanta have been able to offer for multiple seasons.

La Dea will need to turn their form around under Palladino to secure a place in Europe next season, but achieving this feat could open many doors in 2026.

Diop’s deal in France is set to expire in June 2027 and Nice will be looking for an inflated fee if the deal takes place in January while also seeking a return of investment after spending €22 million on the Moroccan in August 2022.

Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)

One player that is pushing for a move away in January is Liverpool star, Federico Chiesa, as the Italian continues to struggle in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old is yet to make a start in England’s top-flight this season, which has hampered Chiesa’s future with Italy and lowered the winger’s chances of competing at the World Cup.

Finding a regular playing-time ahead of next year’s tournament will be key for Chiesa and the Italian is reportedly set on a return to Serie A in the January window.

Chiesa has previous experience in Italy’s first division with Juventus and Fiorentina, meaning it should be a simple transition and Palladino may be keen on bringing in a low-risk option.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to let the Italian go on loan in January, but the Reds are also happy to sell Chiesa on a permanent basis if they can recoup the €12m fee they spent in August 2024.

Abde Ezzalouzi (Real Betis)

Moving on to the second Moroccan on this list now and we have Real Betis star, Abde Ezzalouzi, who has hit the ground running since returning from injury.

The 23-year-old marked his first appearance back with an assist against Levante and has gone on to register eight goal contributions in 13 appearances across all competitions (5G + 3A).

Ezzalouzi has built a strong reputation across Europe for his silky footwork and creative capabilty, meaning the youngster would be a like-for-like replacement for Lookman.

Betis signed the 23-year-old for €7.5m in September 2023 and Ezzalouzi signed an extended deal in October 2024 – meaning Atalanta may have to pay over €25m in January.

Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Fares Chaibi joined Eintracht Frankfurt for €10m in August 2023 after an impressive spell with Toulouse and the Algerian has been a huge success in Germany.

So far in the 2025/26 season, Chaibi has registered seven goal contributions across all competitions (1G + 6A), proving to be one of the best providers in Europe.

Atalanta have created 16 big chances in Serie A this season, which is less than Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, meaning La Dea may be after a creative machine in January.

Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic are clearly being left frustrated up-front and Chaibi could be a strong addition to help bring the most out of Atalanta’s strikers.