Victor Osimhen: 2 new reasons Galatasaray believe Nigeria star will reject Man United

Victor Osimhen is poised for another busy summer as he remains constantly linked with half of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, Galatasaray are doing everything possible to ensure the Super Eagles forward stays in Istanbul and lead their sporting and commercial project.

Manchester United have identified the 27-year-old Nigerian as a priority target ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to strengthen his attack after securing a return to the UEFA Champions League, with Osimhen viewed as the proven goalscorer capable of leading the line alongside Benjamin Šeško.

Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are all possible destinations while Chelsea could also still make a move.

However, Galatasaray are determined not to lose the striker they signed permanently from Napoli in a Turkish transfer-record deal worth €75 million last year. The Turkish champions have already placed a valuation of between €130 million and €150 million on Osimhen and reportedly rejected strong interest from several top European clubs.

To convince Osimhen to reject advances from European suitors, Galatasaray have reportedly put in place two new strategies to be presented to the Super Eagles forward when he returns from vacation.

Captaincy offer designed to strengthen Victor Osimhen’s bond with club

The first part of Galatasaray’s strategy centres on leadership. According to reports from Turkey, club officials are considering handing Osimhen the captain’s armband ahead of the 2026/27 season. The move is closely linked to the expected departure of long-serving forward Mauro Icardi, whose contract expires at the end of June 2026.

Galatasaray believe Osimhen has become the most influential figure in the dressing room since arriving in Istanbul. By making him captain, the club would officially recognise his importance on and off the pitch.

The Turkish champions also see the gesture as a way of giving the Nigerian an emotional connection to the club’s future. Becoming captain would place him at the centre of Galatasaray’s sporting project and further establish him as the face of the team at RAMS Park.

Club executives reportedly feel such a leadership role may not be immediately available to him at clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea, where established dressing-room hierarchies already exist.

Iconic No. 9 shirt set to become available after Icardi exit

The second part of Galatasaray’s plan involves one of football’s most symbolic honours for a striker; the famous No. 9 jersey.

Osimhen has long been associated with the number throughout his career, but he has been unable to wear it at Galatasaray because Icardi occupied the shirt during their time together at the club. Instead, the Nigerian has used alternative squad number 45.

With Icardi expected to leave this summer after scoring 77 goals and helping Galatasaray win six trophies during a successful four-year spell, the No. 9 shirt is set to become available.

Galatasaray intend to hand that iconic jersey to Osimhen as a clear statement that he is the club’s undisputed attacking leader. Beyond its significance on the field, the move would also strengthen his status in the club’s branding, marketing campaigns and long-term sporting plans.

Together, the captaincy and the No. 9 shirt form a carefully planned strategy aimed at convincing Osimhen that his future belongs in Istanbul, despite persistent interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and other European heavyweights.