“Osimhen was like this” – Galatasaray target more elite stars to join Super Eagles ace in Istanbul this week

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed that the club is looking to make another Victor Osimhen-like signing in the coming days, with Turkey’s transfer window still open despite the deadline passing in Europe’s top five leagues, Soccernet.ng reports.

England, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany all saw their winter transfer windows close on Monday, February 3, 2025, with clubs scrambling to finalize deals before the 11 p.m. deadline.

However, in Turkey, clubs still have seven more days to complete transfers, giving Galatasaray an opportunity to strengthen further.

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The Turkish champions have already secured Alvaro Morata from AC Milan, but Buruk insists they remain in the market for more elite players.

With mainstream European clubs now unable to sign new players, out-of-favour stars looking for an escape route may turn to Turkey. Galatasaray, eager to capitalize on this, are prepared to move swiftly—just as they did with Osimhen.

The Nigerian forward was heavily linked with PSG, Arsenal, and Chelsea last summer, with Chelsea coming close to securing his signature on deadline day.

However, when the move collapsed, Osimhen quickly boarded a flight to Istanbul. Since arriving, the Super Eagles star has been a revelation, establishing himself as Galatasaray’s standout performer over the past six months.

A similar high-profile signing could be imminent, according to Buruk.

“When we enter the last week, very important players that we can call ‘opportunity transfers’ may emerge,” Buruk told Galatasaray.org.

“Osimhen was like this. We will look at it like this again. There are players we have talked to and considered. There is a race in transfers. You are competing with Europe. Turkey is not the first choice of the players. Everyone should know this.

“They especially want to play in the big five leagues. Even if you offer a higher amount financially, this is not their priority. Transfers are not easy, but we are working with good intentions, we are trying. Our president, our board of directors, we all work together.”

“We have many quality players in the Galatasaray squad, such as Osimhen and Morata. This work is ongoing.”

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September, Osimhen has been in sensational form, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

On Monday, the former Lille forward featured in Galatasaray’s crucial 1-0 away victory over David Okereke’s Gaziantep FK in the Turkish Süper Lig.

The win extended Galatasaray’s lead at the top of the table to six points, with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe sitting second.