Victor Osimhen’s agent, FIFA-licensed agent George Gardi, has addressed the Nigerian striker’s loan switch to Galatasaray and growing speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia. According to Gardi, reports of negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in January or since are “completely baseless”.
“These claims are completely baseless,” Gardi told Türkiye’s Milliyet. Osimhen will decide his next destination only after the current season ends, adhering to a promise made when he joined Galatasaray. Despite receiving lucrative offers, the striker has kept his word and will make a decision about his future when his journey with Galatasaray is complete ¹.
Gardi revealed that Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk was immediately sold on the idea of signing Osimhen, despite initial doubts within the club. “When I explained this operation to Okan Buruk, he immediately grasped the magnitude of the issue and supported me so we could make progress,” Gardi said. “At the time, the dominant view was that Icardi and Batshuayi were enough. But if the Osimhen move had not been made, where would Galatasaray be in the league today?”
The loan deal, which doesn’t include a purchase option, saw Galatasaray cover Osimhen’s salary, and Napoli asked for a €6-7 million loan fee, which Gardi negotiated down to a free loan. Gardi hailed Osimhen’s impact as a game-changer both on and off the pitch: “Victor Osimhen is perhaps the most iconic transfer in Turkish football history. He is 25 years old, at the peak of his career, and has a market value of €100 million. This transfer brought a new vision not only to Galatasaray but to Turkish football on the international stage” ².
Osimhen’s impressive performance with 29 goals and six assists across all competitions this season has reignited attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Juventus are reportedly interested in signing the striker. However, Napoli is reluctant to sell Osimhen to a domestic rival like Juventus and may reduce their asking price from €75 million to facilitate a potential transfer to the Premier League.