Newsletters
Galatasaray continues to wait for Victor Osimhen’s decision after putting forward what Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu described as a stronger offer than several European clubs.
The club confirmed that it is not negotiating with any other strikers. “We are not talking to any other forward. We are not discussing any other fee. We are only focused on Osimhen,” Kavukcu said at a press event in Istanbul, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
Kavukcu stated that Galatasaray made an early move for the Nigerian striker and held talks with Napoli. He said the club now expects a final response. “Osimhen must decide as soon as possible,” he told the press. “We respect him. He has a family and this is a serious decision. But there is a point where time runs out.”
The Super Lig champions, who also won the Turkish Cup last season, are offering Osimhen a central role in their international project. “We aim to build a team that can compete not just in Türkiye, but worldwide,” Kavukcu said.
He emphasized that the project is backed by local sponsors and Galatasaray-affiliated business figures. “We are at the table because of our fans. Thanks to them, we were able to make a better offer than many clubs in Europe.”
Kavukcu also explained that the club will not use the Osimhen budget for any other player. “If Osimhen doesn’t happen, we will not spend this money elsewhere. We didn’t speak to our sponsors about another plan,” he said. “Transfer season is long. But we are working day and night under our president’s leadership.”
Victor Osimhen, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, scored 37 goals and made eight assists in 41 matches. He became the top scorer in the Super Lig and played a key role in the club’s league and cup victories. Despite pressure to make a decision, the 26-year-old has remained quiet.
In a YouTube interview with media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen said, “It’s always like this when the season ends and the summer transfer window begins. You have a lot of clubs wanting your services, but right now I’m focused on my holiday and enjoying myself.”
He added that he had been watching his goals from last season and thinking about his strengths and mistakes. “It helps me grow,” he said.
Victor Osimhen has already rejected a high-paying offer from Al Hilal. According to Italian transfer analyst Alfredo Pedulla, the Saudi club offered him over $40 million per year, with bonuses that could reach $45 million.
“He closed the door to Saudi Arabia. He doesn’t like it. He won’t go. He’s still young,” Pedulla said. “With him, the situation changes every day. One night he thinks one thing, the next day another. That’s why it is so complicated.”
Reports suggest that clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen’s transfer is one of the most complicated in recent years. Alfredo Pedulla, who has followed the story closely, said, “This has been one of the most difficult cases in the last 10 years. If he wanted the money, he’d already be at Al Hilal.”
Pedulla explained that European clubs are still waiting. Juventus remains hopeful, though their previous sporting director, Giuntoli, was reportedly central to the original plan. Without him, their chances are lower. “With Giuntoli, I would have said it was 80 percent. Now, it’s less,” Pedulla added.
Galatasaray continues to push for a resolution. “We are giving everything. We reached transfer figures Galatasaray has never seen before,” Kavukcu said. “We just need him to make the decision.”
Yet Osimhen has shown no urgency. “He constantly asks for more time,” Kavukcu admitted. “We would like him to decide tomorrow, but we are staying respectful. Still, even that has a deadline.”
Until he makes a decision, both Galatasaray and Europe's top clubs remain in a holding pattern.
2 min read
