Turkish football giants Galatasaray have made a surprising U-turn in their stance on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with the club's president now confirming they are open to selling the Super Eagles forward for the right price.
President Ozbek Confirms Transfer Possibility
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has publicly acknowledged that the club would consider transfer offers for Victor Osimhen. The 26-year-old Nigerian international joined the Turkish champions on a permanent deal after initially arriving on loan from Italian side Napoli.
Ozbek explained the club's position clearly to GT Spor and Haberturk TV, stating: "We said that if we bought Osimhen, Galatasaray will benefit from this deal. Given his age and performance, he's a player who can be sold to another club at any time."
The Nigerian striker played a crucial role in helping Galatasaray secure a domestic double last season, demonstrating his value to the Istanbul-based club. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe's top leagues.
European Giants Circle for Nigerian Talent
Spanish powerhouse Barcelona and French champions PSG have emerged as the leading contenders for Osimhen's signature. Both clubs have reportedly made inquiries about the availability of the talented forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to ESPN reports, Barcelona's interest is particularly strong, though any potential move would depend on the Catalan club's financial situation. Sporting director Deco is managing expectations given the club's economic constraints.
Osimhen's agent, George Gardi, who facilitated the record-breaking transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray, has confirmed that both European giants have expressed serious interest in his client.
High Transfer Fee and Current Commitment
Galatasaray's significant €75 million investment in Osimhen last summer sets a high benchmark for any potential suitors. The Turkish club views the Nigerian striker as both a sporting asset and financial investment.
Despite the growing transfer speculation, Osimhen remains committed to Galatasaray for now and has no immediate plans to leave the reigning Turkish champions when the transfer window opens.
The 2023 CAF Player of the Year winner continues to deliver outstanding performances on the pitch. He currently leads the UEFA Champions League scoring charts with six goals and has netted three times in the Super Lig this season.
Osimhen also recently showcased his international quality by scoring a hat-trick for Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers, though the Super Eagles ultimately failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
European football governing body UEFA has recognized Osimhen's exceptional form this season, hailing the Nigerian despite his national team's World Cup qualification disappointment.
While a transfer to clubs like Barcelona or PSG remains a possibility if lucrative offers materialize, for now, the Super Eagles forward remains a key figure in Galatasaray's squad as they continue their domestic and European campaigns.