Galatasaray Sets a New Transfer Record by Acquiring Osimhen - Vice President's Announcement
Galatasaray Breaks Turkish Football Transfer Record with Victor Osimhen Signing
In a historic move for Turkish football, Galatasaray has signed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli for a record-breaking fee of €75 million (approx. $85.7 million), surpassing the previous record set by Fenerbahçe for Youssef En-Nesyri last year [2][3][4].
Osimhen, who spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Galatasaray, proved to be a valuable asset for the club, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions and helping Galatasaray win the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. His exceptional performances earned him the league’s Golden Boot and Goal of the Season awards [1][2][4].
The transfer saga between Napoli and Galatasaray began last year when Osimhen failed to secure a permanent move away from Napoli despite strong interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea [4]. Napoli was reportedly asking for €75 million, with €40 million up front and €35 million in instalments [4].
Osimhen's love for Galatasaray was a significant factor in his decision to join the club permanently. In a heartfelt message on social media, he expressed his gratitude to Napoli while also expressing his excitement about joining Galatasaray, stating "Grazie per tutto" (“Thanks for everything”) along with images from his time at the club [1].
Abdullah Kavukcu, Vice-President of Galatasaray, spoke about the transfer deal, stating that it is a step towards Galatasaray becoming a global brand [5]. He also emphasised that the club did not sell any players to finance the transfer of Osimhen [5].
Galatasaray fans had long campaigned for the club to sign the prolific forward, and expectations among them are soaring with the arrival of Osimhen [6]. The striker himself has expressed a strong desire to be a part of Galatasaray, even making a significant sacrifice to join the club [7].
With Osimhen officially becoming the most expensive player in Turkish football history, Galatasaray fans and the club's leadership are optimistic about the club's future prospects. The tireless work of the leadership played a significant role in securing the transfer deal for Osimhen, and the bond between the striker, Galatasaray, and its fanbase was a key factor in the transfer deal [8].
References:
- BBC Sport
- ESPN
- Goal
- The Guardian
- Sky Sports
- Football London
- Daily Mail
- The Athletic
The Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has sealed a historic move in 'naija' football, joining Galatasaray from Napoli, breaking the transfer record previously held by Fenerbahçe. Osimhen's impressive showing during his loan spell at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and helping the club win the Turkish Süper Lig and Turkish Cup, earned him the league's Golden Boot and Goal of the Season awards. Despite strong interest from Premier League clubs, his love for Galatasaray was a decisive factor in his decision to join the club permanently.
