Victor Osimhen’s fairytale season in Turkey has captured Galatasaray’s heart, but former Fenerbahce midfielder Sergen Yalcin believes the club must keep its feet on the ground.
The Nigeria striker, on loan from Napoli, has been nothing short of sensational, netting 36 goals and supplying eight assists in 40 appearances. His goals powered Galatasaray to a league and cup double and earned him the league’s Golden Boot.
Understandably, the club’s hierarchy and fans are desperate to keep him. They’ve showered him with love, from off-pitch fanfare to matching his hefty salary demands.
The Istanbul giants would need to smash the Turkish transfer record (€19.5 million Fenerbahce paid for Youssef En-Nesyri) to sign Victor Osimhen permanently. Napoli are demanding €73 million, a fee well beyond what is typical in the Turkish market.
That, according to Yalcin, is a step too far.
“Osimhen is a very good player, but a figure like 80 million Euros is not realistic in this league,” Yalcin told Ege de SonSoz.
“Yes, he should be acquired, but not by paying 80 million Euros. These figures are a dream in such a league. Let’s be realistic. Will Galatasaray win the Champions League by getting Osimhen? Do you really believe that? These things cannot be done with just transfers. Planning, squad depth, system… It’s all a whole.”
Galatasaray and Premier League clubs fall behind in Victor Osimhen chase
While Galatasaray ponder Yalcin’s warning, Osimhen’s future may already be elsewhere.
Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest the 2023 CAF Player of the Year has agreed to join Al-Hilal on a €45 million-a-year deal. The club is also prepared to trigger his €73 million release clause at Napoli.
With Chelsea and Manchester United constrained by spending limits, and Galatasaray’s hopes fading, the Saudi Pro League may be where this remarkable story continues.
