The most expensive transfer in Turkish history: Osimhen joins Galatasaray for a fee
Galatasaray is preparing to hold a signing ceremony for Osimhen before the friendly match against Lazio in Istanbul on Saturday, August 2.
Osimhen is reportedly set to earn a net annual salary of €16 million from Galatasaray. According to Transfermarkt, a website that measures player market values, Osimhen's current market value is €70 million, but was valued at up to €120 million in the summer of 2023.
Osimhen, who made his Galatasaray debut in September 2024, attracted attention by scoring 37 goals in 37 official matches in his first season with the Yellow-Reds. He also scored 26 goals and five assists in 30 appearances in the Turkish Super League, and added five goals and one assist in four appearances in the Turkish Cup.
In the UEFA Europa League, he scored six goals and provided two assists in seven appearances. Osimhen missed two matches in that tournament due to injury and one due to suspension. Galatasaray were eliminated by AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League, leaving the competition in the last 16 play-off round.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1998, Osimhen began his football career at the Ultimate Strikers Academy. The young player, who attracted attention with his goals at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, said in an interview at the tournament, "Didier Drogba is my role model." He emphasized that Drogba is an exemplary figure, both as a footballer and as a person.
Osimhen, who began his European career with Wolfsburg in 2017, failed to meet expectations there. However, he attracted attention during his loan spell at Belgian club Charleroi in the 2018-2019 season, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances. This breakthrough led to a €22.4 million transfer to Lille. After scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in 38 appearances for the French club, Osimhen was subsequently transferred to Napoli for €80 million.
Osimhen, who played 133 matches for the Italian club, scoring 76 goals and providing 18 assists, won the Serie A championship with Napoli in the 2022-2023 season. Osimhen, who suffered a serious injury in a head-to-head collision with Milan Skriniar during a match against Inter in November 2021 and underwent facial surgery, has been wearing a special mask ever since.
Osimhen is also impressively performing for the Nigerian national team. Having scored 26 goals in 40 appearances, he is considered one of the top-scoring strikers on the African continent.
Galatasaray's move for Osimhen is a significant step not only on the pitch but also for the club's financial situation. The Nigerian star's arrival is expected to significantly boost jersey sales, international broadcasts, and the club's commercial value. It's clear that the Yellow-Reds' management is sending a message of "return" to European football with this transfer.
Osimhen's transfer opens a new chapter in Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk's game plan. Galatasaray, searching for a clear leader in the No. 9 position following the injury of Icardi, has acquired a player who can create space for various variations thanks to Osimhen's pressing power, deep runs, and aerial prowess. This could make the team more flexible and powerful, both for the Süper Lig and for its European ambitions.
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