Turkish football commentator Ahmet Cakar has expressed deep concern about the future of Galatasaray if star striker Victor Osimhen leaves the club this summer. Osimhen has been a pivotal figure for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli in 2024, helping the club secure two consecutive Turkish Super League titles.
Osimhen's Impact at Galatasaray
During his first season, Osimhen scored an impressive 37 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions. His performances convinced Galatasaray to make the move permanent. In his second season, despite injuries and participation in AFCON 2025, he still managed 22 goals and eight assists in 31 matches. His contributions have made him the cornerstone of the team's success.
Transfer Rumors Swirl
Osimhen has been consistently linked with a move away from Turkey, with top European clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United reportedly interested. Recent controversy arose when Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle suggested that Osimhen's absence from the national team was linked to his transfer ambitions. Osimhen later clarified that Chelle's comments were taken out of context.
Cakar's Warning
Ahmet Cakar, a well-known Turkish football pundit, has warned Galatasaray against selling Osimhen. He stated, "If Osimhen leaves, Galatasaray will face major problems because Osimhen represents 70% of the team. Icardi is already finished. Where are you going to find two strikers at once? It will create a psychological crisis." The potential departure of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who has not agreed to a new contract, adds to the club's concerns.
Financial Aspects
Galatasaray recently completed the full payment of Osimhen's transfer fee to Napoli, which was set at €40 million, paid in installments. Reports suggest that if Galatasaray were to sell Osimhen, they would demand a fee around €140 million, nearly double what they paid. A recent analysis by Legit.ng indicated that signing Osimhen would cost an interested club approximately €66 million per year over a five-year contract, including transfer fees and salary, a figure that many clubs may find prohibitive.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Galatasaray faces a crucial decision that could shape the club's future. Cakar's warning underscores the potential risks of losing a player of Osimhen's caliber.
