Just hours after landing in Istanbul to seal a sensational return to Galatasaray, Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen laced up his boots for the first time this summer with the Turkish giants.
Osimhen, who joined from Napoli, arrived in Istanbul on Thursday night with thousands of Galatasaray fans giving the Nigerian forward a hero's welcome.
With the transfer, the 26-year-old striker became the most expensive signing in Turkish football history with a €75 million transfer from Napoli.
However, there was no time for Osimhen to brood over his enormous transfer fee as the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year participated in a full training session with his teammates at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities on Friday.
Victor Osimhen in Galatasaray training
- Images credit: Galatasaray website
Led by head coach Okan Buruk, the session featured a dynamic warm-up, 8-on-2 passing drills in rotating groups, and concluded with tactical work designed to sharpen the squad ahead of their upcoming clash against Lazio at Rams Park on Friday night.
It is the first time Osimhen trained alongside fellow new arrival Leroy Sané, who also joined Galatasaray this summer after leaving Bayern Munich. The German winger brings Champions League experience and elite pedigree from his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Also present in training was Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who struggled with injuries last season but is expected to form a fearsome attacking trio with Osimhen and Sané.
Osimhen’s return has been met with enormous fanfare. Speaking after putting pen to paper on a four-year contract, the striker shared his elation via the club’s official channel:
“I’m feeling truly great right now. I’m so happy to be a part of the Galatasaray family again. First of all, I want to thank my President and Vice President. We have a very positive team right now. I’m so proud to be here. You know my quality from last season. I believe that next season, with the quality of both myself and my teammates, we will achieve even greater success with a much greater sense of belonging. We will give our all on the pitch, not only in the league and cup, but also in the Champions League, one of our main goals.”
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Osimhen was visibly moved by the welcome he received from fans upon arrival in Istanbul, many of whom had followed his career since his stellar loan spell last season.
“Frankly, I didn't expect what I saw. The welcome was far beyond anything I expected. The Galatasaray fans were already there for me in Germany. When I first arrived, they were one of the main reasons I felt so happy here. I will continue to work hard for the fans, every drop of sweat I have. I will continue to fight in the same way in the upcoming matches. I would like to thank my president, our vice president, and our coach. They fought so hard for me to be here. I also extend my greetings to the fans.”
Having netted 37 goals and delivered seven assists across all competitions last season, Osimhen was instrumental in helping Galatasaray secure a historic domestic double and was subsequently honoured with the Golden Boot, Player of the Season, and Best Super Lig goal honours.
His blockbuster move from Napoli has not only smashed Turkish transfer records but also comes with a lucrative contract.
Galatasaray confirmed the Nigerian will earn a net annual salary of €15 million, plus €1 million in loyalty bonuses and €5 million annually for image rights. This brings his total yearly earnings to €21 million (₦36.8 billion).
Additionally, Galatasaray agreed to pay Napoli 10% of any future profit should Osimhen be sold.
Osimhen will hope to combine with Icardi, and Sané and power Galatasaray to success both on the domestic scene and also in the UEFA Champions League.
