Victor Osimhen: Real reason Super Eagles star missed Galatasaray’s first pre-season training

Victor Osimhen’s absence from Galatasaray’s first pre-season training today has nothing to do with forcing a move away from the Turkish champions, Afrik-Foot reports.

Galatasaray began preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with head coach Okan Buruk opening camp with a few players, including Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira. Interestingly, Nigeria international Osimhen was not present but his absence was sanctioned by the club.

Despite growing reports linking the Super Eagles forward with a possible multimillion transfer to Atlético Madrid or a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen remains committed to Galatasaray. The Turkish champions already approved extra time off for the 27-year-old following a demanding campaign for both club and country.

The former Napoli striker is expected to report back on July 10, when he will join the club’s other senior international players before the squad travels to Austria for the next part of their pre-season preparations.

Victor Osimhen: Extended holiday approved after demanding season

Osimhen enjoyed another busy year after completing his permanent move from Napoli in 2025 for €75 million, becoming the biggest signing in Turkish football history. He also featured heavily for Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles settled for a bronze medal.

Following the long domestic and international season, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk decided to give several key players additional rest before beginning preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Osimhen’s absence was fully authorised and should not be mistaken for a transfer protest. The situation is completely different from the difficult circumstances that surrounded his departure from Napoli, where reports of disagreements and medical certificates dominated headlines.

Instead, the Nigerian forward is simply following a revised holiday schedule designed to reduce fatigue before another challenging season that will include domestic league football, European competition and international fixtures.

Once he rejoins the squad on, Osimhen will immediately begin preparations alongside his teammates ahead of the club’s training camp in Austria.

Austria camp awaits as Galatasaray prepare for new season

Galatasaray are fully focused on preparing for another title challenge, with Osimhen expected to play a leading role unless a record-breaking offer arrives before the transfer window closes.

The Turkish champions will hold their main training camp in Windischgarsten, Austria, between July 23 and July 29 as part of the third edition of the Summer Series Upper Austria tournament.

Galatasaray will play two pre-season friendlies during the camp. Their first match comes against AC Monza on July 24 at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, before facing Venezia FC on July 27 at the Hofmann Personal Stadion, also in Linz.

The Austrian camp will be the first opportunity for Osimhen and the club’s other returning internationals to work fully with Buruk’s squad as tactical preparations intensify.

After returning to Istanbul, Galatasaray will complete their pre-season programme with another high-profile friendly against Villarreal at RAMS Park on August 8.