Osimhen: What Galatasaray chief’s statement means for Barcelona and Man United pursuit 

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has been one of the most talked-about players ahead of the summer transfer window, with several of Europe’s elite clubs monitoring his situation, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian forward’s long-term future at Galatasaray has remained uncertain amid speculation over whether he will remain at the club beyond this summer.

Osimhen initially joined the Turkish giants on loan from Napoli in 2024 before Galatasaray paid €75 million to sign him permanently last summer. He has already justified that investment, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions and helping the club win three trophies in two seasons.

Despite the growing transfer speculation, Galatasaray have repeatedly expressed their desire to keep the Nigerian international beyond this summer. 

What Galatasaray president said about Victor Osimhen

Osimhen has continued to attract interest from several top European clubs ahead of the transfer window and has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United. Meanwhile, Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, have also shown interest in signing the Nigerian forward this summer.

However, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has now addressed the growing speculation, insisting that the club have no intention of parting ways with their star striker despite the attention from Europe’s biggest clubs.

“It is very natural for every player who is successful at Galatasaray to be on the radar of important clubs in Europe. This shows that our club is doing the right thing”, Ozbek revealed.

“However, our priority is the interest of Galatasaray. Osimhen is a world-class player and happy here. We have no intention of selling Osimhen.”

Where does this leave Barcelona and Manchester United?

There had been reports that Galatasaray could consider offers in the region of €150 million for Osimhen if they are to sanction a sale this summer.

Real Madrid were among the clubs linked with the Nigerian striker after president Florentino Pérez’s announcement that a bid would be made for a ‘mystery signing’. However, it has since been revealed that the target was Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez rather than Osimhen.

🚨 Real Madrid say they have made an offer of €150m for Julian Alvarez.

It has been rejected by Atletico Madrid. pic.twitter.com/wdJCagtTfK

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 9, 2026

Barcelona and Manchester United have also been strong admirers of the former Napoli star as both clubs look to strengthen their centre-forward options, but Ozbek’s latest comments suggest that any move for Osimhen could be extremely difficult this summer.

For Barcelona, financial constraints remain a major obstacle. Even if Galatasaray eventually change their stance and decide to negotiate, the Spanish champions could struggle to meet both the transfer fee and the player’s wage demands.

Manchester United, meanwhile, may be forced to explore alternative targets if Galatasaray maintain their current stance as a deal could prove very complicated and expensive.

There could also be another twist in the situation if the 27-year-old pushes for a move. However, that currently appears unlikely given how he has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the club’s supporters and has openly stated his desire to continue at the club beyond this summer.

For now, all signs point towards Osimhen extending his stay with Galatasaray beyond this summer, although more developments could still alter the situation with the transfer window still in its early stages.