Victor Osimhen’s representative, FIFA-licensed agent George Gardi, has opened up on the Nigerian striker’s high-profile loan switch to Galatasaray — and addressed growing speculation surrounding a potential move to Saudi Arabia, Soccernet.ng reports.
Gardi, the man behind Osimhen’s surprise transfer from Napoli to the Turkish champions in September, revealed that contrary to reports in Turkey, there were no negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in January or since.
He also insisted that Osimhen will decide his next destination only after the current season ends.
“These claims are completely baseless,” Gardi told Türkiye's Milliyet.
“Victor made me a promise when he joined Galatasaray. He wouldn’t sign with any club before the season ends. And indeed, despite receiving lucrative offers, he kept his word.
“Besides, with a player like Victor, something like ‘taking him somewhere’ is out of the question. The biggest clubs in the world want him; he doesn’t need anyone to carve his own path.”
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The 26-year-old, who scored 29 goals and provided six assists across all competitions for Galatasaray this season, has reignited attention from Europe’s elite.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both believed to be keen on the former Lille man, while Arsenal are reportedly considering him as a potential solution to their long-term striker search.
Juventus have also shown interest in bringing Osimhen back to Serie A, but his parent club Napoli are reluctant to sell to a domestic rival.
Reports in Italy claim Napoli are now willing to reduce their asking price — previously set at €75 million — to ease a possible transfer to the Premier League and block a move to Turin.
Gardi, who orchestrated the forward’s loan to Galatasaray without a fee, also gave insight into how the deal materialised and the reaction within the club.
“Osimhen is currently at Galatasaray due to his availability for transfer. He is a top player, a champion. He can play for any team he wants,” Gardi said.
“I can clearly say that he is very happy at Galatasaray right now and wants to enjoy every moment of it. He will make a decision about his future when this journey is complete. Napoli asked me for a €6–7 million loan for Osimhen. I concluded this transfer with a free loan.”
Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea in the summer but once negotiations between the parties broke down, Galatasaray needed only a few hours to get the deal done.
Gardi revealed that Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk was immediately sold on the idea, even if not everyone at the club was convinced initially.
“When I explained this operation to Okan Buruk, he immediately grasped the magnitude of the issue and supported me so we could make progress. At the time, the dominant view was that Icardi and Batshuayi were enough. But if the Osimhen move had not been made, where would Galatasaray be in the league today?”
Gardi hailed the Nigerian’s impact as a game-changer both on and off the pitch:
“Victor Osimhen is perhaps the most iconic transfer in Turkish football history. He is 25 years old, at the peak of his career, and has a market value of €100 million. This transfer brought a new vision not only to Galatasaray but to Turkish football on the international stage.”
Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023 and looks set to add the Turkish league and cup double to his cabinet before ushering in another potentially busy summer.
