Fenerbahce vice-president Murat Salar has accused Atalanta of showing a lack of respect during talks over Ademola Lookman.
The Turkish Super Lig side attempted to secure the Nigerian forward’s signature last month but were ultimately beaten by Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.
Salar revealed that negotiations stalled after Atalanta requested a letter of guarantee — a demand Fenerbahce refused to meet.
“I was involved in the Lookman transfer process. Atalanta asked for a letter of guarantee. Fenerbahce has never, in its history, given or received a letter of guarantee. It’s not something done in practice. We saw it as an insult,” he told the club’s official TV channel.
“We asked, ‘Which bank has a stronger reputation than 120-year-old Fenerbahce?’”
He stressed that the club’s standing should have been sufficient assurance.
“We said Fenerbahce’s credibility is worth more than that piece of paper. We have signed players from Manchester United and PSG without providing any letter of guarantee.
“Fenerbahce has completed transfers without letters of guarantee and will continue to do so.”
Salar also pointed out what he viewed as inconsistency among Italian clubs.
“It is unacceptable that one Italian club demands a letter of guarantee when another Italian club, Lazio, does not.
“This appears to be about setting a precedent. It creates an obstacle for all Turkish clubs.
“We wanted to sign Lookman and pushed our limits, but a letter of guarantee is not something that exists in our practice. Fenerbahce has neither issued nor received such a document.”
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