Half of European football’s elite appear to be circling the Super Eagles striker this summer, but Galatasaray are holding firm on their price and Osimhen himself says he isn’t pushing for an exit.
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Victor Osimhen’s agent George Gardi was spotted in Madrid this week for fresh talks over a possible move to Atletico Madrid, reigniting speculation about the Super Eagles striker’s future even as he and Galatasaray continue to insist he sees his immediate path staying in Istanbul.
According to Turkish outlet Haber, Gardi’s trip was centred on discussions with Atletico Madrid, who are looking to strengthen their attack before the new season, rather than fellow Madrid club Real Madrid, who have also been linked with Osimhen in recent months.
Galatasaray Holding Firm On Price
Galatasaray have made clear they have no intention of letting their most prized asset go cheaply. Reports suggest the Turkish champions recently turned down a €120 million offer from an unnamed club, with club president Dursun Ozbek said to be holding out for a fee closer to €150 million.
The interest extends well beyond Spain. A Saudi Pro League club has reportedly tabled a fresh €120 million proposal, separate from earlier links to Al Hilal, though Gardi has already denied suggestions that a move to Al Hilal is close. Another unnamed European heavyweight is said to have made a verbal offer in the region of €125 million.
A Lengthy List Of Admirers
Chelsea remain keen after missing out on the striker in previous windows, while reports suggest Manchester United’s interest has cooled given the size of the financial package involved. Paris Saint-Germain are said to admire Osimhen as they look to rebuild their attack, and Bayern Munich and Juventus have reportedly made enquiries into the overall cost of a deal. Arsenal and Barcelona have also been informed of his availability but are said to currently view him as a backup option behind other targets, while Real Madrid continue to monitor the situation without making a formal move.
Osimhen Insists He Isn’t Pushing For An Exit
Despite all the noise, reports from Turkey suggest Osimhen is not actively trying to leave Galatasaray this summer. The 27 year old is said to be enjoying life in Istanbul and recently held talks with head coach Okan Buruk about the club’s preparations for next season, covering both training plans and tactical ideas.
Osimhen would reportedly welcome a move to the Premier League or La Liga if the right opportunity arose, but is said to be showing no signs of forcing an exit or disrupting the dressing room, instead continuing to back Galatasaray’s long term project.
He has even taken on an informal leadership role, reportedly encouraging the club to pursue fellow Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare and defender Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of the new campaign. Club officials are said to be growing more confident that Osimhen intends to stay, with some reportedly considering handing him the captain’s armband in recognition of his influence within the squad.
Adding weight to that picture, Osimhen is reported to have turned down a contract worth between €30 million and €35 million a season from a Saudi Arabian club, preferring to keep competing for major honours in Europe rather than accept a lucrative move outside the continent.
📌 Did You Know?
- Osimhen has previously played for Sporting Charleroi, Lille and Napoli before his move to Galatasaray.
- He won the Serie A title with Napoli in the 2022-23 season, the club’s first Scudetto in over three decades.
- A €150 million valuation would place Osimhen among the most expensive African players in transfer history if a deal is reached at that price.
- Osimhen has previously recommended other Nigerian players to Galatasaray, reflecting his growing influence within the club’s recruitment thinking.
- Okan Buruk has managed Galatasaray since 2022, overseeing back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles during Osimhen’s time at the club.
