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Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk spoke about the future of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as the player is reportedly considering an offer from Saudi Arabia's football team, Al Hilal, a team with significant financial resources.
In an interview with beIN SPORTS, Buruk talked positively about Osimhen's likely future with the Turkish team.
Buruk said, “Osimhen is important ... His positive attitude, how much he loves it here. After the last match, he didn’t say goodbye to anyone. If he had intentions to leave, his behavior would have been different. I see a 51% chance of him staying.”
The Nigerian striker delivered a sensational performance with Galatasaray, scoring 36 goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances, becoming the highest-scoring player in the club’s history for a single season.
His contract includes a €75 million ($84.3 million) release clause—an amount that once appeared beyond Galatasaray’s reach. But with record revenues now in hand, the club may finally have the financial power to secure Osimhen on a permanent deal.
Buruk also highlighted Galatasaray's needs for multiple positions for the next season. He said, “We need to make additions in attacking midfield, striker, center-back, and full-back positions.”
Buruk stated his ambition to lead the Turkish national team one day. “I definitely have a dream of coaching the senior national team in the future. I’d love to go to the World Cup with a team, to experience that excitement again someday. I’ve played for the national team, I’ve felt that excitement. I’ve also worked as an assistant coach for the national team, and I’d like to relive that experience. Montella is doing well, and I have high hopes of reaching the World Cup. He’s doing a good job and is a good person. He deserves support as well.”
Meanwhile, Osimhen, who has been a standout player this season, has reportedly reached an agreement with Fahad bin Nafel, chairman of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to Turkish media.
The Nigerian striker is expected to earn an annual salary of around $30 million and sign a three-year contract.
Al-Hilal is currently awaiting approval from the Saudi government to complete the transfer and make an official announcement.
Notably, Al-Hilal’s official website briefly displayed Osimhen’s jersey on Monday but removed it shortly afterward.
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