Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen has officially finalized a permanent move to Turkish football powerhouse Galatasaray, marking the end of a drawn-out transfer saga with former club Napoli.
The high-profile switch is valued at €75 million, positioning the 26-year-old among the most expensive signings in the club’s history.
The official confirmation came on Thursday via Galatasaray’s social media platforms, with the club disclosing financial details of the transaction.
“Regarding the transfer of professional footballer Victor James Osimhen, an agreement has been reached with his club, SSCN Napoli SPA,” the club stated.
“In this context, a net transfer fee of €75,000,000 will be paid to the player’s former club,” the statement added.
Osimhen, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell with Galatasaray last season, committed to a four-year contract with the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions. His new deal includes a substantial salary of €15 million annually. Beyond his basic earnings, the striker is set to receive an additional €1 million as a loyalty bonus and €5 million for image rights.
As part of the agreement, Napoli is entitled to 10 per cent of any profit Galatasaray may earn from Osimhen’s future sale. The deal also carries a restriction clause that prevents the player from joining another Serie A club for the next two years.
Osimhen’s Reaction: ‘Proud To Be Here’
Reacting to the confirmation of his permanent switch, Osimhen expressed immense satisfaction about his return to the Istanbul-based club.
“I’m feeling truly great right now,” he told Galatasaray’s official website. “I’m so happy to be a part of the Galatasaray family again. First of all, I want to thank my President and Vice President. We have a very positive team right now.”
He continued, “I’m so proud to be here. You know my quality from last season. I believe that next season, with the quality of both myself and my teammates, we will achieve even greater success with a much greater sense of belonging.”
He concluded by affirming his commitment to delivering results across all competitions. “We will give our all on the pitch, not only in the league and cup, but also in the Champions League, one of our main goals.”
During the 2024/2025 season, Osimhen was in spectacular form, netting 37 goals and registering eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in helping Galatasaray clinch the domestic double.
End of a Long-Running Transfer Drama
The announcement officially draws a curtain on what had become a turbulent relationship between Osimhen and Napoli. The striker had been sidelined at the beginning of the last campaign amid contract disputes and public disagreements with the club’s hierarchy. Despite being frozen out of the squad, Osimhen’s value never dipped, as he maintained a high level of performance throughout his loan stint in Turkey.
Galatasaray fans have welcomed the news with jubilation, hopeful that the striker’s permanent return signals another successful season, particularly with ambitions to make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
What You Should Know
Victor Osimhen, one of Africa’s top football exports, has officially parted ways with Napoli after a strained relationship, finalizing a €75 million transfer to Galatasaray.
Following a standout loan season with 37 goals, the Nigerian forward now joins the Turkish giants permanently, earning €15 million annually and committing to lead the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
