Galatasaray Firmly Rejects Transfer Speculation Surrounding Victor Osimhen
Turkish football club Galatasaray has issued a strong response to widespread transfer rumors suggesting that Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are pursuing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The club has categorically denied receiving any formal offers and emphasized their commitment to retaining the Super Eagles star.
Spanish Clubs Show Interest in Nigerian Striker
Reports have emerged indicating that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have developed significant interest in signing Victor Osimhen during the upcoming summer transfer window of 2026. The two Spanish powerhouses are reportedly monitoring the striker's situation closely as they plan their squad reinforcements.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently in the summer of 2025 following an exceptionally successful loan spell from Napoli during the 2024/25 season. During that loan period, the Nigerian forward demonstrated his world-class abilities by scoring an impressive 37 goals and providing four assists across all competitions.
Galatasaray's Official Stance on Transfer Rumors
A high-ranking Galatasaray insider has provided exclusive comments regarding the transfer speculation surrounding their star striker. Arda Ozkurt, speaking to Turkish media outlet Haber Sari Kirmizi, revealed the club's definitive position on the matter.
"I asked Galatasaray if they had any interest in Victor Osimhen. The answer was clear: 'We haven't received any offers, and we have no intention of selling him,'" Ozkurt stated. "Osimhen himself has no plans to leave either. Those who are spreading these rumors do not have good intentions."
This firm declaration from the Turkish club comes as they prepare for crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions, with Osimhen playing a central role in their attacking strategy.
Why Spanish Clubs Want Osimhen
The interest from Spanish clubs appears to be driven by specific squad needs and strategic planning:
- Barcelona's Search for Lewandowski Successor: With Polish striker Robert Lewandowski entering what is believed to be his final season at Camp Nou, Barcelona sees Victor Osimhen as a potential long-term replacement who could lead their attack for years to come.
- Atletico Madrid's Forward Reinforcement: Atletico Madrid reportedly views Osimhen as an ideal partner for Nigerian compatriot Ademola Lookman, potentially replacing Julian Alvarez amid rumors linking the Argentine striker with a move to Chelsea.
Osimhen's Current Situation at Galatasaray
Despite recent speculation about Osimhen's happiness at Galatasaray, particularly following his subdued celebration after scoring against Caykur Rizespor, club sources have provided clarification on the matter.
While some fans speculated that the striker might be unhappy due to salary issues, a Galatasaray source has refuted these claims, explaining that Osimhen's occasional frustration stems from tactical rather than financial concerns.
"Osimhen wants to score in every match and be useful to the team. Sometimes he doesn't receive the passes he wants, and this negatively affects him on the field," the source told NTV Spor. "Osimhen's ambition and desire to score goals don't negatively impact the team. On the contrary, his teammates are positively influenced by his ambition."
The Nigerian striker has maintained excellent form, scoring in his last six consecutive matches before providing two crucial assists during Galatasaray's 5-1 victory over Eyupspor on February 13, 2026.
Additional European Interest Emerges
Beyond the Spanish interest, Italian Serie A club Juventus has reportedly reignited their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, seeking to bring the striker back to Italy months after his departure from Napoli. The Old Lady had previously expressed interest in Osimhen during his time at Napoli, but the Italian club was unwilling to sell to a direct domestic rival at that time.
Galatasaray initially served as what many considered a temporary solution for Osimhen to escape his transfer difficulties at Napoli. However, his consistently impressive performances in Turkey prompted the club to secure his services permanently, despite initial hesitation from several top European clubs who are now showing renewed interest in the prolific striker.
