Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray unveil big business plans powered by Super Eagles star

Galatasaray’s rapid rise off the pitch is now being framed around the influence of Victor Osimhen, with club vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu openly crediting the striker for a transformation that goes far beyond goals, Afrik-Foot reports.

Kavukcu says the Nigerian forward’s arrival has lifted the club’s global profile to new heights, creating opportunities that are now shaping Galatasaray’s long-term business strategy.

Galatasaray’s rise over the past 18 months has not been limited to the pitch. The arrival of Victor Osimhen in September 2024 has changed the scale of the club’s global appeal, turning it into one of the fastest-growing brands in European football.

The impact was immediate. Within 24 hours of announcing Osimhen’s signing, Galatasaray gained more than two million new followers on Instagram. By 2026, that number had climbed to around 15.8 million.

On YouTube, a live stream tracking the striker’s flight to Istanbul drew more than two million viewers, bringing in tens of thousands of new subscribers and generating significant revenue in a single day. The club’s presence on X also surged, with more than 100,000 new followers added shortly after the transfer.

That attention quickly translated into money. Osimhen’s shirt became the fastest-selling in the club’s history, helping Galatasaray earn about €85 million from merchandise sales last season alone. That figure placed them among Europe’s top 10 clubs in this area, ahead of established giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

Special releases, including themed merchandise packages built around the striker, also proved hugely popular. By late 2025, the club had already recouped a significant portion of its investment in Osimhen through commercial income and performance-related bonuses.

His performances on the pitch have matched the hype. Osimhen scored 37 goals in all competitions in his first season, setting a new record for a foreign player in Turkish football.

By early 2026, he had contributed 66 goals and assists in just 65 appearances. His goals in Europe also helped Galatasaray earn more than €53 million in UEFA revenue, making them the highest-earning Turkish club in continental competition this season.

Victor Osimhen: A bold Galatasaray plan to build a global brand

Galatasaray are now looking to turn that popularity into long-term financial strength. Vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu says the club’s ambition goes far beyond football.

“Our vision is to be one of the top 10 clubs in the world,” Kavukcu told SportBild.

“We’re taking our own merchandising company public, and we also have plans for our own café franchise chain. All of this is largely thanks to players like Leroy and Victor Osimhen, who have significantly boosted our popularity.”

At the centre of the plan is the decision to take the club’s retail arm public. Galatasaray’s merchandising company will become a separate, tradable business, allowing the club to unlock its value and attract fresh investment.

The move is designed to bring in new funds while also making the retail side more transparent and easier to grow internationally.

This strategy is supported by a long-term partnership with PUMA, which provides the structure for expanding the club’s merchandise operations around the world.

The club is also entering the hospitality sector with plans to launch a café franchise chain. These venues are expected to act as meeting points for fans, combining food and drink with the Galatasaray brand. Each location could also include retail sections, allowing supporters to buy merchandise while visiting.

The franchise model means the cafés can expand quickly, both across Turkey and in countries with large Galatasaray fan bases. It is a clear attempt to turn the club into a lifestyle brand rather than just a football team.

Behind these moves is the wider goal of financial independence. Galatasaray want to rely less on matchday income and television rights, and more on commercial revenue they control. This approach could help fund major signings and strengthen the squad in the long term.