By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
In one of the most unexpected transfer twists of the summer, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has completed a sensational €75 million move to Turkish football powerhouse Galatasaray from Napoli. The deal, confirmed late Monday night, makes Osimhen the most expensive signing in Turkish football history and one of the most talked-about moves in the European transfer window.
Osimhen, who had been linked with Premier League giants such as Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, opted instead for Galatasaray in a move that has stunned fans and pundits alike. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward has signed a four-year contract with the Istanbul club and is set to be unveiled this week in a grand ceremony at Rams Park Stadium.
The move comes after months of speculation regarding Osimhen’s future. Despite a strong season with Napoli—where he netted 17 goals in Serie A and helped the club to a respectable league finish—the striker reportedly felt it was time for a new challenge. Sources close to the player say Galatasaray’s ambition, Champions League football, and the club’s Nigerian fanbase played a role in swaying his decision.
Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek hailed the signing as a new chapter for the club. “Victor Osimhen is a world-class striker and a game-changer. This is not just a signing; it’s a statement that Galatasaray is ready to compete at the highest level in Europe again,” he said.
Osimhen also expressed excitement about the move in his first words as a Galatasaray player. “This is a new adventure for me, and I’m thrilled to join such a historic club with passionate supporters. I’m here to score goals, win titles, and make history,” he said.
The deal is also a massive financial boost for Napoli, who signed Osimhen from Lille in 2020 for a reported €70 million. While the transfer fee is nearly identical to what they paid, Napoli will benefit from saving on Osimhen’s hefty wages and can now reinvest in strengthening other areas of the squad.
Osimhen’s arrival is expected to shake up the Turkish Süper Lig, where Galatasaray will look to defend their league title and make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. With his pace, power, and lethal finishing, the Nigerian striker is poised to become a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders across Turkey.
As Galatasaray prepares for the new season, all eyes will be on Osimhen — the club’s new poster boy and Africa’s most high-profile transfer of the summer.
