Victor Osimhen was linked to many clubs in England and Italy, but he ultimately chose to join Galatasaray
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he decided to join Galatasaray permanently due to his daughter's affinity to the club and the love from the fans, Soccernet.ng reports.
When Osimhen left Napoli to join Galatasaray in a season-long loan last summer, it looked like it would only be a short stop.
Recall that the 26-year-old Nigerian marksman wanted to join a top club in the top five leagues last year, but it did not work out, as the links dragged on till the close of the transfer window.
After the protracted transfer talks which did not later materialize. Napoli coach Antonio Conte dumped him out of the team. And that was what made him join Galatasaray.
Osimhen quickly adjusted to life in Turkey and became a key player for the Lions. The former Lille man went on to contribute 37 goals and eight assists to help the club win the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
Due to his brilliance, Galatasaray made it known that they wanted to sign Osimhen permanently －a move that seemed crazy at the time due to his expensive €75 million price tag and his high wages. In the history of the Turkish League, no club had ever paid more than €30 million for a player.
Moreover, Osimhen was heavily-linked with top European clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Juventus. Even Saudi giants Al Hilal were on standby with a tempting package for him.
However, all the talks linking him with those clubs amounted to nothing, as Osimhen confirmed his decision to join Galatasaray two weeks ago. The transfer was then completed on Thursday.
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Osimhen was unveiled at Galatasaray at Rams Park today, before their pre-season game against Lazio. And he revealed the reason he chose the club despite the other offers he had.
“It's a decision I made earlier than expected. But to an extent, I already associate with Galatasaray fans,” Osimhen said, per Forza Cimbom.
“In fact, my daughter is more inclined to Galatasaray than me. I've seen how she associates herself with her Turkish friends, she speaks of me everytime and the club.
“Apart from the fans that drove with the love and passion they have for the club, my daughter was key to making this decision much easier for me.
“All my family love Gala. So I can't see a reason to not be here, that's why I call it home. I will enjoy myself till I'm not needed here.
“KIZIM BENDEN DAHA GALATASARAYLI…”
Victor Osimhen: “Galatasaray'ı seçme sebebim taraftarlar ve kızım. Kızım Galatasaray'ı çok seviyor. Evde üçlü çektiriyor. Kızımın verdiği destek, taraftarımızın tutkusu karar vermemde etkili oldu. Kızım benden daha Galatasaraylı!” (TV 100) pic.twitter.com/jQfDq6cWrV
— Forza Cimbom (@forzacimbomtr) August 2, 2025
When will Victor Osimhen play his first game for Galatasaray?
Victor Osimhen will play his first game for Galatasaray next week, when they face Gaziantep in their first game of the Super Lig season.
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It was expected that he would be on the pitch for the pre-season game against Lazio on Saturday, but while he was in the stadium, he did not play.
He will look to resume action for the club with a bang and lead them to defend their titles next season.
