Galatasaray transfer: Key reason Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena deal failed

Galatasaray’s plan to unleash the duo of Victor Osimhen and George Ilenikhena on the Super Lig next season has been hit with a massive blow, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Lions’ move for Nigerian youngster Ilenikhena has broken down because of a major disagreement with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, Fotospor confirms.

The Turkish champions had identified the 19-year-old as one of their backup striker options. Club officials made contact with Al-Ittihad to explore a possible transfer after deciding that Ilenikhena matched the Turkish Football Federation’s youth player rules. The Franco-Nigerian forward was also reportedly open to joining Galatasaray, where he would have competed for minutes behind Super Eagles star Osimhen.

However, the two clubs could not agree on the structure of the deal. Galatasaray proposed signing Ilenikhena on loan with an option to buy him permanently at the end of the season. Al-Ittihad immediately rejected that proposal, insisting they would only discuss a permanent transfer.

The Saudi club had only signed the striker from French side AS Monaco during the winter transfer window for €33 million and view him as a long-term investment. With his contract running until June 30, 2029, Al-Ittihad had no interest in sending him out on loan. Once it became clear that their positions could not be reconciled, Galatasaray ended negotiations and turned their attention to other striker targets.

Galatasaray miss chance to pair two Nigerian forwards

If the transfer had gone through, Galatasaray’s attack would have featured two Nigerian forwards, with Ilenikhena joining Osimhen in Istanbul. The club had little concern about losing both players to international duty because the Africa Cup of Nations will not interrupt the European club season this year, encouraging many clubs to look more closely at African talent.

Born in Lagos in August 2006, Ilenikhena has quickly built a reputation as an exciting young forward with a bright future. After beginning his senior career with Amiens in France, he moved to Belgian champions Royal Antwerp in 2023 and scored 14 goals in all competitions. His biggest moment came in the UEFA Champions League when he netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Barcelona to secure Antwerp’s first-ever victory in the competition.

He earned a move to AS Monaco in 2024, where he played 51 matches and scored 10 goals across two seasons. During the 2024-25 Champions League campaign, he again produced against Barcelona by scoring the winning goal in Monaco’s opening-phase victory.

Al-Ittihad completed his €33 million signing on February 3, 2026, seeing him as a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema. So far in his professional career, Ilenikhena has made 125 competitive appearances, scoring 28 goals across spells with Amiens, Royal Antwerp, Monaco and Al-Ittihad.