Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has declared that the Turkish champions have no plans to sell Victor Osimhen this summer despite growing interest from clubs including Chelsea and Barcelona, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker restored some of his bruised credibility after an outstanding 2024/25 campaign with Galatasaray, where he helped the Istanbul side win both the Turkish Super Lig title and the domestic cup. His performances convinced the club hierarchy that making his stay permanent was necessary, even though the deal stretched the club financially.
At the time, SSC Napoli demanded €75 million for the Super Eagles forward, a figure considered extraordinary in Turkish football. No Turkish club had previously spent even €20 million on a single player.
Yet Galatasaray pushed ahead with the transfer. Payments were structured in instalments, while Özbek personally contributed significant financial backing to complete what became the biggest signing in Turkish football history.
That gamble has already brought rewards. Osimhen played a major role as Galatasaray reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and secured a fourth straight league title. His goals, movement and aggressive pressing quickly turned him into a fan favourite in Istanbul.
Now, however, Europe’s elite are circling again. Clubs from England, Spain, Italy and France are monitoring the 27-year-old striker, but Galatasaray’s president insists the club’s future is being built around him.
Özbek reveals extraordinary details behind Osimhen transfer
Speaking about the complicated negotiations that brought Osimhen permanently to Turkey, Özbek admitted it was one of the toughest deals he had ever handled.
“We initially signed Victor Osimhen on loan, and he performed magnificently,” Özbek said as per Fanatik. “He loves Galatasaray and Türkiye very much. He said he would stay at Galatasaray, and we started talking in Napoli.
“He has a €75 million release clause, and we started the transfer process accordingly. Napoli requested a guarantee for Osimhen's club. I've never seen anything like that before. Normally, the procedures are very strict! They used the General Manager of UniCredit, who is a partner with Koç, as their guide.
“We paid part of it upfront, and I provided part from my own company. €35 million from my own company… In that sense, it was a very difficult transfer. Osimhen showed with his performance that he deserved this money.
“Now, Osimhen is making a second generation of Galatasaray fans. We're so glad we signed him… We don't intend to sell Victor Osimhen! Putting a price on a player you don't intend to sell is like dressing a footballer before he's even born…”
Several major clubs remain interested in former African Footballer of the Year Osimhen. Chelsea are currently seen as the leading Premier League side in the race, with former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel publicly encouraging the move. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation.
In Spain, both Real Madrid and Barcelona admire Osimhen, while Atlético Madrid reportedly view him as an ideal fit for Diego Simeone’s system. Interest also exists from Juventus, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Galatasaray’s huge asking price remains a major obstacle. Reports suggest the Turkish champions would only consider offers above €100 million, while Osimhen’s salary demands could also complicate negotiations for interested clubs.
