ABUJA-AUGUST 01 – 2025 Victor Osimhen has completed his permanent move to Galatasaray, marking a triumphant return to the Turkish champions after a season-long loan spell.
The Nigerian striker, accompanied by his family, arrived in Istanbul to a hero’s welcome, with thousands of ecstatic fans flooding the airport to celebrate his homecoming.
Dressed in Galatasaray’s iconic red and yellow colors, Osimhen expressed his joy at rejoining the club, describing it as a continuation of his journey with a team he holds dear.
His arrival followed weeks of intense negotiations between Galatasaray and Napoli, with the player ultimately rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in favor of staying in Turkey.
The scenes at Istanbul Airport were nothing short of spectacular, as supporters chanted Osimhen’s name and celebrated his decision to commit his future to the club. The striker, visibly moved by the reception, emphasized his happiness at returning to what he considers his footballing home.
Galatasaray’s vice president, Abdullah Kavukcu, revealed the meticulous planning behind the transfer, explaining that the club had worked tirelessly since January to secure the deal without external financial assistance. He assured fans that the formalities would be finalized soon and urged continued trust in the club’s management.
Osimhen’s impact at Galatasaray last season was undeniable, with 37 goals across all competitions propelling the team to a domestic double. His decision to stay underscores his connection with the club and its supporters, despite Napoli’s attempts to redirect his career path.
The deal, reportedly worth between €15-18 million per year, reflects Galatasaray’s ambition to retain one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. With the transfer now sealed, all eyes will be on Osimhen as he aims to build on his stellar form and lead the club to further success.
As the celebrations continue in Istanbul, Osimhen’s return not only strengthens Galatasaray’s attacking options but also sends a strong message about the club’s ability to compete for top talent on the global stage.