Galatasaray’s Bold Bid to Keep Osimhen Gains €2.5M Backing

Galatasaray’s mission to make Victor Osimhen’s stay in Istanbul permanent has received a major boost as prominent Turkish lawyer Rezan Epözdemir pledged €2.5 million of his personal funds to support the transfer.

Epözdemir declared his commitment publicly, saying: “If Galatasaray asks for support in bringing Osimhen permanently, I’ll donate €2.5 million without hesitation. As long as Osimhen stays, I’m all in.”

The Nigerian striker, on loan from Napoli, has dazzled in Turkey, netting 26 goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances. His explosive form has transformed not just the team’s performances but also the club’s public profile, spurring a dramatic surge in social media engagement — including 100,000 new X (formerly Twitter) followers after his debut.

With Napoli reportedly holding out for €66 million, Galatasaray’s board led by Abdullah Kavukcu sees Osimhen as a centrepiece for their future. In addition to Epözdemir’s offer, club director Rasim Zaimoğlu floated the idea of fan-powered crowdfunding, suggesting that €35 million could be raised if each of the club’s supporters donates just $1.

While Osimhen himself has expressed affection for the Turkish champions stating, “Galatasaray will always remain in my heart” the final call rests on the outcome of negotiations between Galatasaray, Napoli, and the player’s own ambitions.

With Champions League football secured and public momentum behind them, Galatasaray’s dream of signing Osimhen permanently could shift from fantasy to reality.

Editorial

In a sport increasingly driven by transactions, Victor Osimhen’s story at Galatasaray reminds us that passion can still move mountains and even raise millions. The €2.5 million pledge from Rezan Epözdemir isn’t just a generous act; it’s a powerful statement of what football still means to the people.

We’re witnessing a modern football phenomenon: not just fans cheering from the stands, but actively funding their club’s future. And while the romantic in us cheers for this grassroots generosity, the realist recognises its strategic value. Galatasaray aren’t just buying a striker — they’re investing in a symbol, a spark, a global brand amplifier.

Osimhen’s impact has already extended far beyond the pitch. His goals electrify stadiums, but it’s his presence that has ignited the club’s global image. That kind of resonance cannot be bought cheaply, and Galatasaray know it.

Still, €66 million is a colossal figure. Even with public donations and high-profile backers, the deal hinges on more than money. Osimhen’s aspirations, Napoli’s terms, and Galatasaray’s long-term sporting vision all play into this equation.

But we believe there’s something beautifully disruptive about a club daring to dream with its fans — not just for them. If this deal happens, it won’t just be a transfer. It will be a triumph of unity, belief, and modern football reimagined.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen was Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022–23 season, helping Napoli win their first league title since 1990.
2. Galatasaray’s 35 million global fanbase is one of the largest in European football.
3. Osimhen’s €66 million valuation would make him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.
4. The striker previously played in Germany, Belgium, France, and Italy before moving to Turkey.
5. Galatasaray’s X (formerly Twitter) following increased by over 100,000 within a week of Osimhen’s debut the fastest growth in club history.