Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi has revealed how Victor Osimhen's groundbreaking transfer to the Turkish club has fundamentally changed the landscape of football in Turkey and its international reputation.
The Record-Breaking Transfer
In a stunning move that shattered previous transfer records, Galatasaray paid €75 million to secure Victor Osimhen's permanent services in the summer of 2025. This astronomical fee completely dwarfed the previous record for a Turkish club, which stood at just €18 million when Galatasaray signed a player from Norwich City in 2024.
The Nigerian superstar had initially joined the Turkish champions on loan for the 2024/25 season after falling out with his former club Napoli. Osimhen's incredible performance during his loan spell, where he scored 37 goals in 41 matches across all competitions, convinced Galatasaray to make the move permanent despite the massive financial commitment.
Icardi's Perspective on the Transformation
Speaking to GS TV ahead of Galatasaray's UEFA Champions League match against Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Icardi contrasted the current situation with when he first arrived at the club four years ago from Paris Saint-Germain.
"This will be my fourth year at Galatasaray. When I arrived, the club was in a difficult situation. Today, things have completely turned around," the Argentine striker explained.
Icardi emphasized that the club's ambitious transfer strategy, highlighted by the Osimhen signing, has elevated Galatasaray's status in European football. "We're now one of the best clubs in Europe. We're demonstrating this in the Champions League. That's what matters," he added.
Changing the Face of Turkish Football
The most significant impact of Osimhen's transfer, according to Icardi, has been the transformation of Turkey's appeal to international footballers. Previously seen as a destination for aging European players, the country has now become attractive to world-class talents in their prime.
"Transfers like Victor, previously considered unthinkable and expensive, were made. We've now been able to bring in very high-level players," Icardi stated. "Today, there are many players who want to come to Türkiye, players who want to show their potential."
The former Inter Milan star concluded with a powerful statement about Turkey's new standing in global football: "Turkey has become a place that all players around the world know, love, and want to come to. It's truly a source of pride for me to be so different from the day I arrived."
The strategic importance of Osimhen has been particularly evident in the Champions League, where a deep run in the competition could help Galatasaray recoup a significant portion of their massive investment. The club has employed various strategies, including sponsorships and merchandise sales, to manage the unprecedented financial outlay.
Despite rumors of friction between the two strikers, both Osimhen and Icardi have maintained they share a good relationship. Their partnership proved crucial last season when Icardi missed the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury, with Osimhen stepping up to lead the line effectively.
