Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was notably absent from Galatasaray’s 2-0 away win at Göztepe, their penultimate league match of the season.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk rotated the squad heavily, resting key players like Dries Mertens, who later came on as a sub and Fernando Muslera.
With the title already secured, the decision made sense.
Still, many fans were surprised Osimhen didn’t feature, especially since he’s in the running for the league’s top scorer.
Some fans weren't thrilled, especially with the striker chasing more goals.
Reports in Turkey suggested Buruk is saving his stars for the season finale against Istanbul Basaksehir at Rams Park – potentially Osimhen’s last appearance in a Galatasaray shirt, in a bid to round up the season in a good stead for the fans on their own turf.
🇹🇷 Victor Osimhen completes an unbelievable season with Galatasaray:
▪️ Most goals ever by a foreign player (35) 🇳🇬⚽️
▪️ Turkish Cup 🏆✅
▪️ Turkish Super Lig 🏆✅🆕Flying high 🦅 pic.twitter.com/eFxbwV05HN
— LiveScore (@livescore) May 18, 2025
Transfer talks are already swirling around the Nigerian, with Premier League and Saudi clubs are reportedly circling.
A short but legendary stay in Turkey for Victor Osimhen
If this is the end of Osimhen’s time in Turkey, he leaves as a cult hero. His loan move from Napoli has been a game-changer for Galatasaray.
With 25 goals in 29 league appearances and 35 in all competition, Osimhen has done pretty well.
Add eight assists to that, and you’re looking at 43 goal contributions this season.
He also broke the record for most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish season, previously held by Brazil’s Mario Jardel.
Wherever he goes next, Osimhen's impact in Istanbul won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Victor Osimhen can walk away from his loan spell at Galatasaray with his head held high.
The Nigerian striker played a pivotal role in helping the Turkish giants secure both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup, capping off a season that exceeded expectations.
