€75m market value 

©TM/IMAGO

There’s not a summer that passes without heavy speculation around Victor Osimhen’s future and often heavy drama entails, but will that be the case during this transfer window? The Nigerian international had repeated fall-outs with the Napoli hierarchy before completing his permanent move to Galatasaray last summer. The Istanbul giants broke the Turkish transfer record to secure his €75 million return after he fired them to the Süper Lig title during his loan spell in the previous season.

Osimhen was also instrumental in securing Gala’s fourth consecutive title and they reached the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years. As evidenced by tens of thousands of supporters greeting his arrival in Istanbul last summer, Osimhen enjoys hero status in the Turkish capital and that affection could prove pivotal to the 27-year-old remaining at the club. From Transfermarkt’s rumour mill, Osimhen has been linked to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea with Galatasaray reportedly rejecting an eye-watering bid already this summer. It’s understood that an unnamed Saudi club tabled an €120m offer, which was refused and with that in mind, we’ve decided to analyse Osimhen’s future with insight from Türkiye.

Victor Osimhen’s future anaylsed

Firstly, Osimhen’s record at Galatasaray is hugely impressive with 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances. The Nigerian striker averages 0.92 goals per 90 minutes at Gala and he ranks 11th amongst their all-time record goalscorers. Osimhen has already moved for fees in excess of €70m twice in his career – to Napoli and Galatasaray – and he ranks 13th for highest accumulated transfer fees. Although his market value stands at €75m, Galatasaray value their prized asset at close to double that valuation and that, combined with his wage demands, are the crux of why it’s difficult to envisage him transferring this summer.

While there’s an increasing lack of elite centre-forwards, certainly ones that are realistically obtainable, Osimhen is simply viewed as too expensive for the biggest clubs in the world. Several leading sides in the market for an established number nine this summer – Barcelona and Chelsea are two examples – but it’s expected they won’t consider Osimhen due to financial factors. Galatasaray have already made their stance clear, reportedly rejecting a €120m offer and his wage demands are also astronomical. So is there any chance he could leave Gala? We spoke to Cem Atakara, Turkish Content Manager at Transfermarkt, to gain insight.

The view from Türkiye

“I think Osimhen will stay at Galatasaray for one more season. He claims he is happy at the club and does not want to leave. Galatasaray are asking for around €140+ million and his salary is also very high, so even the Premier League clubs may find it difficult.

“There has also been strong interest from Saudi Arabia for about two months and reports say there is an offer worth around €120 million. But Osimhen is happier staying at Galatasaray than leaving this summer. If he wants to be the main star and get all the attention, Galatasaray is the perfect place for him.”