Never in Victor Osimhen’s life would he have imagined that his biggest footballing dilemma would come not in London, Madrid or Paris, but in Istanbul.
This wasn’t supposed to be permanent. Just a loan spell to rebuild rhythm after a fractured season at Napoli. A brief detour before returning to the elite circles of European football. But somewhere between the goals, the chants, and the warmth of the Galatasaray faithful, something changed.
Now, with the season over and the trophies in hand, Osimhen finds himself in unfamiliar territory, not chasing interest, but weighing it. Europe and Saudi’s top clubs are circling, as expected. But Galatasaray, the club that gave him the keys and the crown, aren’t letting go without a fight.
Galatasaray go all in for Osimhen
Most assumed the Turkish giants would never stand a chance once the summer window opened. Osimhen’s loan from Napoli was just that, temporary. His €75 million release clause was seen as a barrier even the Turkish champions couldn’t dream of meeting.
But Galatasaray are done dreaming. They’re acting.
Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu, speaking to A Spor, confirmed that the club have not only initiated discussions but are willing to pay the Nigerian’s release clause and match the wages he would earn at any European powerhouse.
“We talked to my president about Osimhen in January.
“We told Osimhen in January, ‘We want you very much, don’t go anywhere. We are working to get your transfer. We are developing projects for this.
“We developed them to sit at that table and we are at that table right now. We are ready to get his transfer and pay the salaries he will receive from Europe.”
Osimhen's decision should go beyond money and ambition
It’s not just money on the table. Galatasaray have gone personal. The affection from the stands has been relentless, the symbolism even more deliberate.
The club reportedly offered Osimhen a 40 percent of future transfer profits, an unprecedented move to make him feel not just like a player, but a partner.
Fans have showered him with gifts. Videos of him being serenaded have gone viral.
Victor Osimhen opens the scoring for Galatasaray vs. Kayserispor 🚀
His daughter delivered the goal announcement chant 🥰 pic.twitter.com/IkMeNunJZM
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) May 18, 2025
The most symbolic gesture? Allowing his daughter’s voice to echo across the stadium to announce his goal.
Of course, there’s another reality to consider.
Osimhen has never hidden his admiration for the English Premier League. The spotlight. The stage. The standard. For a striker of his profile, fast, fearless, direct, it’s the ultimate test.
It’s where CAF Players of the Year are minted. Where Ballon d’Or campaigns begin. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, all watchful, all calculating.
🟡🔴 Galatasaray to Victor Osimhen: "Stay with us Osi. Not because you have to, but because you want to." pic.twitter.com/CELKX98O5s
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 18, 2025
But would he find all this adoration at Chelsea? At Juventus? Would he be adored as intimately at Arsenal, where strikers are often judged by cold numbers and body language?
There’s also Saudi Arabia, where wealth knows no ceiling. But what’s money in a stadium half-full? The 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year doesn’t just score goals; he feeds off energy. He needs chaos, pressure, adoration. Saudi can’t replicate Ali Sami Yen on a derby day.
For once, the bigger question might not be where next, but why leave at all?
Footballers often chase prestige, paychecks, and platforms. But Galatasaray have offered Osimhen something rarer, an identity. He is not just a striker there, he’s the story. The star. The sentiment.
I love how Galatasaray have treated Osimhen like a King 👑 since joining them.
I hope that the other club in Italy are watching. https://t.co/W2PiHy9Nbr
— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) May 18, 2025
Maybe, just maybe, the smartest move isn’t the most glamorous one.
Maybe the path to greatness isn’t always paved with Champions League lights or Premier League headlines.
Maybe it’s in a city that sings your name like a hymn, where the badge feels like skin, and the crown is already on your head.
