Galatasaray's signing of Osimhen appears imminent as details of the agreement surface
Galatasaray Secures Victor Osimhen in Record-Breaking Transfer
Galatasaray is set to make history with the acquisition of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in a deal worth €75 million ($88 million), shattering the previous Süper Lig record set by Fenerbahçe for Youssef En-Nesyri in 2024.
Negotiations between Galatasaray and Napoli were complex, with Napoli insisting on the full value of Osimhen's €75 million release clause. The transfer agreement includes an initial €40 million payment, with the remaining €35 million to be paid in installments by the end of 2026.
Osimhen's move to Galatasaray marks a significant step in the club's broader squad overhaul, following the recent signing of Leroy Sané on a three-year deal. With this transfer, Galatasaray must make adjustments to meet foreign player quotas imposed by the TFF.
The top 10 highest-paid players in the Turkish Süper Lig for the 2024-2025 season, after Osimhen's transfer to Galatasaray, are:
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – €18 million annual salary, making him the highest-paid player in Turkish Süper Lig history[2]. (Weekly approximately €290,962 including payments from Napoli during the transfer phase)[1].
- Mauro Icardi (Galatasaray) – €10 million annually, about €192,308 weekly[1].
- Ciro Immobile (Beşiktaş) – €10 million annually, about €192,308 weekly[1].
- Rafa Silva (Beşiktaş) – €10 million annually, about €192,308 weekly[1].
- Milan Škriniar (Fenerbahçe) – €7.5 million annually, about €144,231 weekly[1].
- Fred (Fenerbahçe) – €7 million annually, about €134,615 weekly[1].
- Dušan Tadić (Fenerbahçe) – €7 million annually, about €134,615 weekly[1].
- Edin Džeko (Fenerbahçe) – €7 million annually, about €134,615 weekly[1].
- Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe) – €6.9 million annually, about €128,269 weekly[1].
- Diego Carlos (Fenerbahçe) – €6.9 million annually, about €128,269 weekly[1].
Osimhen's arrival at Galatasaray follows his impressive performance during the 2024-25 season, where he scored 37 goals and provided 8 assists. His annual salary on his new contract ranges from €16 million to €18 million.
A unique clause in the transfer agreement prevents Osimhen from being sold to another Serie A club until July 2027. Furthermore, an additional €5 million is tied to performance bonuses based on Osimhen's goal-scoring record.
Osimhen's emotional bond with Galatasaray and its supporters played a significant role in his decision to stay, as he experienced a level of love in Istanbul he had never seen before. His relationship with Napoli had deteriorated, making a return to the Italian club unlikely.
Final bank guarantees and financial paperwork are expected to be submitted to Napoli by July 30. Galatasaray are finalizing the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history, with Osimhen scheduled to sign a permanent deal on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata has already transferred to Serie A side Como, and several players, including Victor Nelsson, Carlos Cuesta, Elias Jelert, and Przemyslaw Frankowski, could be sent out on loan. Napoli have secured a 10% sell-on clause for any profit above €75 million in a future transfer.
Osimhen rejected offers from Al-Hilal worth €160 million and Premier League interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. His arrival at Galatasaray marks a significant milestone in the club's history, as they aim to challenge for major titles in the upcoming seasons.
- Galatasaray's acquisition of Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian striker, has cemented the club's position in the European football scene, as they aim to challenge for major titles.
- Osimhen's move to Galatasaray places him amongst the highest-paid players in the Turkish Süper Lig, with an annual salary of approximately €18 million.
- Despite interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Osimhen chose Galatasaray, citing his emotional bond with the club and its supporters.
- The transfer of Victor Osimhen is significant for Galatasaray's European aspirations, as they look to build a team capable of competing in Europe's elite leagues, such as the Premier League and the European-leagues.
