Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has completed a record-breaking €75 million transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray in one of the most astonishing moves of the summer after a turbulent relationship with Napoli.
This singular move has mesmerized fans globally, and also rewritten the history books in Turkish football.
Breaking Down the Transfer Details –
Turkish football Giant, Galatasaray confirmed the signing of Osimhen from the embattled Italian club, Napoli in a landmark deal worth €75 million, with an additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses. This singular deal breaks the previous Turkish Super Lig transfer record, which was tentatively around €20 million. This has almost quadrupled the benchmark which sends a clear message that suggests obviously that the Galatasaray football club means business with this transfer.
Transfer Breakdown:
€40 million upfront with €35 million deferred over two years (until 2026).
There is also 10% future resale clause in favor of Napoli with an Anti-Italy clause: Galatasaray cannot sell him to an Italian club for the next two years. This means, no matter what, Galatasaray wouldn’t sell Victor Osimhen to any Italian Club for the next two years. A smart move.
Why did Victor Osimhen Choose Galatasaray?
Victor Osimhen attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, reportedly offering a huge salary that exceeds €35 million per year.
However, Osimhen turned them down citing his reason as Love for the club and its fans.
Victor Osimhen said during his first interview upon arrival in the city of Istanbul , “I’m back where I feel loved. This is home. The story continues,”.
A glimpse at Osimhen’s Phenomenal First Season on Loan to Galatasaray from Napoli
You’d recall that, Osimhen had already been on loan at Galatasaray for the 2024–25 season before securing this permanent and historic move. It was actually an amazing season he had.
In total, he had 41 appearances which produced 37 goals in total.
He scored 26 goals in 30 league matches which made him finish as top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Victor Osimhen actually helped Galatasaray win the domestic league and Turkish Cup (Double) which further endeared the love of fans to him.
Osimhen’s wonder bicycle kick goal in June 2025 was also awarded Goal of the Season. It was obvious that Osimhen’s presence in Istanbul was to dominate not to joke.
Let’s discuss Osimhen’s Salary & Endorsements
Victor Osimhen who signed a four-year deal with Galatasaray, reportedly earns a huge :
- €15 million per year net salary
- €10 million per year from commercial and sponsorship deals
This singular move and salary structure has made him one of the highest-paid footballers in Europe as we speak, and by far the best-paid player in Turkish football history currently.
What Galatasaray Fans are saying with Osimhen’s Return
“Our King Has Returned” is on the lips of most fans in Galatasaray.
It was an ecstatic atmosphere in Istanbul as more than 10,000 fans stormed the airport in Istanbul to welcome Osimhen back to their club after the long debacle.
Galatasaray had to live-stream his private jet flight, building suspense and excitement like a blockbuster movie as it seems as an important they were all waiting to happen.
It was a tumultuous and electrifying moments from the airport to the stadium as chants of “Osimhen! Osimhen!” echoed across the city in raucous manner.
Osimhen’s Legacy Begins
With this spectacular move to Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen has become a true legend of Galatasaray, joining the club during their historic 25th Süper Lig title campaign which earns their fifth golden star.
Galatasaray club finished the season with: 95 points, 30 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 loss which would have made them an invincible team.
No doubt, Osimhen’s contributions were key to that dominant run, and the club is positioned for more stronger runs in the UEFA Champions League next season with Osimhen’s return.
