Galatasaray have confirmed the permanent acquisition of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli, sealing a club-record deal worth €75 million payable over two years. The 26-year-old, who spent the 2024–25 season on loan in Istanbul, has signed a four-year contract running until June 2029, with an annual net salary of €15 million and potential performance-based bonuses. The agreement surpasses the previous Turkish Süper Lig transfer record by a wide margin and includes an additional 10% sell-on clause and an exclusivity clause preventing any move back to Italy within the next two seasons .
Osimhen first joined Galatasaray on loan in July 2024 and immediately became a fan favorite, scoring an astonishing 37 goals in 41 competitive appearances across all competitions. His prolific form not only secured the Süper Lig’s Golden Boot but also helped Galatasaray clinch both the league title and Turkish Cup. Despite lucrative interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, who reportedly offered him an annual package north of €30 million, Osimhen opted to remain in Europe, citing his strong bond with the Turkish champions and their passionate supporters .
The financial details of the transfer see Galatasaray paying €40 million upfront to Napoli, with the remaining €35 million scheduled in two equal installments in July 2026 and January 2027. In addition to the transfer fee, Napoli have negotiated a 10% share of any future sale and insist on a clause barring the player’s sale to any Italian club for at least two years. These terms underline both clubs’ long-term vision: Napoli secures immediate and future financial benefits, while Galatasaray cements Osimhen as the centerpiece of their recent resurgence .
Upon arrival at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport on July 30, Osimhen was greeted by thousands of exuberant fans, creating an electric atmosphere heralding his permanent return. Video footage shared on social media shows supporters chanting his name and waving scarves as the striker walked through the terminal, a testament to the deep connection he has forged with the club’s faithful. Galatasaray’s official channels and Osimhen himself posted images from the arrival, which quickly went viral across football platforms .
Osimhen’s move also holds significant sporting implications. Galatasaray, aiming to reestablish themselves among Europe’s elite clubs, view the striker as pivotal to their UEFA Champions League ambitions. The club have not advanced beyond the group stage since 2012–13, and Osimhen’s proven record in Europe—31 goals in Napoli’s 2022–23 Serie A title campaign—adds both firepower and experience. His physical presence, pace, and finishing ability are expected to make Galatasaray genuine contenders both domestically and in continental competition .
From Osimhen’s perspective, the permanent switch marks another milestone in a meteoric career trajectory. Since breaking into the European scene with Lille in 2019 and then becoming Napoli’s record signing in 2020 (€80 million), he has consistently improved his goal-scoring tally and developed into one of world football’s most feared forwards. Having already won Serie A Footballer of the Year and become the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history, Osimhen now aims to leave an indelible mark on Turkish football and further boost his international profile ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaigns .
As the summer transfer window progresses, Galatasaray’s record outlay sends a clear message to their rivals: they are prepared to invest heavily to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With Osimhen officially unveiled on July 31, manager Okan Buruk now has his talisman in place to spearhead the attack. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the superstar striker can replicate his Serie A and Süper Lig heroics in the forthcoming campaign, propelling Galatasaray back onto Europe’s biggest stages.
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