Victor Osimhen: 4 things Galatasaray must do to keep Super Eagles star happy in Turkey

Victor Osimhen looks increasingly likely to remain at Galatasaray for the 2026/27 season after the Turkish champions made it clear they are not ready to sell their biggest star, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker was undoubtedly Galatasaray’s most outstanding performer and one of the best players in Turkey last season. He scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 matches across all competitions, helping Galatasaray win another Turkish Süper Lig title and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Several top European clubs have shown interest in signing him, but Galatasaray have continued to reject huge offers. Reports claim bids worth between €120 million and €125 million were turned down without serious negotiations.

Club president Dursun Özbek has also confirmed that Osimhen’s contract does not include a release clause. That means no club can sign him by simply paying a fixed fee. Galatasaray are believed to value the Super Eagles forward at around €150 million, a price that only a few clubs in world football can afford and none have been willing to offer.

Reports also suggest that clubs like Manchester United have cooled their interest because of the enormous financial package required to complete the transfer.

Victor Osimhen has also given Galatasaray supporters more confidence by repeatedly expressing his love for the club and its passionate fans. Rather than pushing for a move away, the Nigerian international has focused on preparing for another successful season in Istanbul. How can Galatasaray reward him for his loyalty?

Make Victor Osimhen the new club captain

If Osimhen remains at Galatasaray, one of the first decisions the club should make is handing him the captain’s armband. With experienced leaders like Mauro Icardi expected to move on, Osimhen has already shown that he can inspire the team both with his performances and his attitude.

Making him captain would officially recognise him as the leader of Galatasaray’s new generation. It would also give him greater responsibility inside the dressing room and strengthen his connection with both his teammates and the supporters.

The Nigeria international, vice-captain of the Super Eagles, is entering his prime years and becoming Galatasaray skipper would show that the club fully trusts him to lead them into a new era.

Strengthen the squad for the Champions League

Keeping Victor Osimhen happy will require more than a new contract or leadership role. Galatasaray must also build a team capable of competing with Europe’s biggest clubs.

Winning the Turkish league is important, but Osimhen will also want to challenge for success in the UEFA Champions League.

That is why the club’s transfer plans will be crucial this summer. Galatasaray have already been linked with several high-profile players, including Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, George Ilenikhena and Teun Koopmeiners. Bringing in experienced stars of that quality would improve the team’s chances against Europe’s elite.

Adding creative midfielders, stronger defenders and more attacking support would also reduce the pressure on Osimhen to carry the team every week. If Galatasaray can continue strengthening the squad, they could become genuine contenders beyond the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Give Osimhen the famous No. 9 shirt

Another important step would be giving Osimhen Galatasaray’s famous No. 9 jersey. The striker currently wears the No. 45 shirt, but the No. 9 shirt has always belonged to the club’s main goalscorers.

Giving him that number would show that he is now the face of the club both on and off the pitch. It would also strengthen Galatasaray’s global image, with Osimhen becoming the central figure in the club’s marketing, shirt sales and international promotion. The move would symbolise the beginning of a new chapter built around one of Africa’s biggest football stars.

Keep their promise about his future

Even if Osimhen stays for another season, Galatasaray should also think about his long-term career.

The club should maintain a good relationship with the striker by allowing him the chance to join another European giant if an exceptional offer arrives in the future.

Although his contract does not contain a release clause, club officials can reassure him that they will negotiate fairly if a club eventually meets a valuation of around €100 million. Knowing that Galatasaray will not stand in the way of a future dream move would allow Osimhen to stay fully focused on helping the club win more trophies without worrying about his future.

If both sides continue to trust each other, Galatasaray can enjoy another outstanding season from one of the world’s best strikers while keeping the door open for the right opportunity whenever it arrives.