Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has spoken warmly about Victor Osimhen after the striker played a key role in his side’s stunning 5-2 win over Juventus on Tuesday night, Afrik-Foot reports.
Although Osimhen did not score, the Nigerian forward provided two assists and worked tirelessly throughout the match. His constant pressure on Juventus’ defence helped Galatasaray dominate from start to finish in what will go down as one of the club’s greatest European nights.
The victory also made history. It was the first time a Turkish team had ever scored five goals in a Champions League match, and the first time Juventus had conceded that many in the competition.
Buruk said Osimhen’s all-round performance shows exactly why Galatasaray were willing to break their transfer record to sign him permanently last summer from Napoli for €75 million, the highest fee ever paid by a Turkish club.
🚨🟡🔴 Victor Osimhen on his future: “I am at a club and city I absolutely love”.
“I’ve been lucky to find Galatasaray on my way. There’s nothing similar to Gala, the love from the fans…“, told Gazzetta.
“We did great in Turkey, now it’s time to show our quality in Europe”. pic.twitter.com/wfGMmKcouG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2026
The coach believes the striker has fully lived up to that huge price tag.
“Osimhen is a fantastic player. I don’t think he’s just a forward who plays for his own stats; he’s a complete team player. He plays for the team,” Okan Buruk told talkSPORT as per Le Marca Spors.
“He scores goals. He makes assists—for example, last night he had three goals. Up front, we’re applying pressure with him. Those 3 goals scored all started with him. He’s a team player; he can play in any league. He’s a wonderful person and a wonderful footballer.
“As you know, last year he was a dream for Galatasaray. We brought him from Napoli; it was a dream for us, and we paid 75 million.
“For the first time in the Turkish League, a Turkish team paid a fee like 75 million… It’s a record. And we spent all our money on him.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F02%2Fimago1072776357.jpg)
Europe’s giants circle Osimhen
Despite his happiness in Istanbul, there are growing signs that this season could be Osimhen’s last with Galatasaray.
Several of Europe’s biggest clubs are once again keeping close tabs on the Super Eagles star. Spanish side Atlético Madrid are believed to have held talks with his representatives, while Barcelona are also showing interest.
In England, Chelsea and Arsenal have long admired the former Lille striker, and German champions Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F02%2Fimago1072776359.jpg)
Galatasaray are reportedly holding out for more than €80 million, a fee that would become the biggest sale in Turkish football history.
Osimhen has often spoken about his love for the club and its supporters, but a move to the Premier League is still believed to be his dream.
So far this season, the Nigerian has delivered 15 goals and five assists in 23 games across the Champions League and Turkish Super Lig.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F02%2Fimago1072775031.jpg)