Victor Osimhen transfer: How Özbek’s boardroom victory affects Galatasaray’s €75m star

Victor Osimhen would likely call for celebrations among friends and loved ones after news filtered in that Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek had received a major vote of confidence from the club’s assembly members.

It is a situation that, in no small measure, strengthens the administration responsible for bringing Victor Osimhen to Istanbul permanently.

Özbek and the 92nd Board of Directors were granted a discharge of liability by a massive majority at the club’s Annual Ordinary General Assembly Meeting at the Haliç Congress Centre.

The approval covered their administrative and financial activities between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, allowing the current leadership to continue pursuing its sporting and financial objectives.

Admittedly, it was not a surprising decision after the Victor Osimhen-inspired successes that Galatasaray had recorded in recent times.

Özbek’s biggest decision of his life was spending a staggering Turkish transfer record fee of €75 million to bring Osimhen to Galatasaray from Napoli.

If the Nigerian forward had flopped in Istanbul, it would have rained down grave consequences on the Galatasaray president and his board.

However, the Super Eagles forward has been a huge success on and off the pitch for the champions and for all they care in Istanbul, Özbek could continue as president for another 100 years.

How Özbek’s victory could affect Osimhen’s transfer future

Özbek has publicly linked his political future to retaining the Nigerian striker, reportedly warning that his position would be threatened if Osimhen left the club.

Galatasaray reportedly received multiple bids from clubs in Europe and the Middle East that would have made Osimhen the most expensive sale in Turkish football history.

Still, Özbek refused to entertain any offers to allow Galatasaray’s biggest ever import depart the club.

The president’s renewed backing from assembly members strengthens his position as Galatasaray prepare to defend their investment against potential interest from wealthy European clubs and Saudi Arabia.

Although the vote does not automatically prevent a transfer, administrative stability could make it easier for Özbek to maintain the club’s position on Osimhen.

Galatasaray would still have to consider any substantial offer on its merits, but the president now has fresh backing as he oversees the club’s long-term plans.

Financial stability and Champions League ambitions

The assembly’s approval of the board’s financial and administrative activities also provides continuity as Galatasaray manage the cost of their record signing.

On the pitch, Osimhen remains central to the club’s ambitions in Europe. The Super Eagles striker this week returned from a groin injury and provided an assist in a 3-1 league win over Kasımpaşa.

With a Champions League meeting against Barcelona approaching, Galatasaray will hope to keep their star forward fit and focused.

Another deep run in Europe’s premier club competition will further show that Galatasaray and Özbek were right to count on Osimhen.