Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu has revealed that Victor Osimhen turned down enormous financial offers from other clubs to secure his permanent move to the Turkish giants, describing the Nigerian striker’s sacrifice as something no other player would ever give up.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday following the confirmation of Osimhen’s €75m permanent transfer from Napoli, Kavukcu emphasised the magnitude of what the Super Eagles star walked away from to remain in Istanbul.
“The amount Victor gave up to come here is truly enormous. He gave up a sum no other player would ever give up, and we are happy to have him,” Kavukcu told Turkish media.
The Galatasaray executive expressed immense pride in securing Osimhen’s services without compromising the club’s financial stability, highlighting that the deal represents a significant coup for Turkish football.
“We have never compromised our position, and we have shown our strength,” Kavukcu said.
“Thank God, we have signed Victor without creating debt for the future. This is an incredible source of pride for us all. On the contrary, we have registered Victor’s contract as capital in Galatasaray’s coffers.”
Osimhen’s decision to commit permanently to Galatasaray came despite significant interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who had been in talks with the striker’s representatives before his move was finalised.
The 26-year-old notably rejected a staggering €40m-a-year contract offer from Al-Hilal in June, coached by Simone Inzaghi. According to several sources, Osimhen will earn €15m per season at Galatasaray, plus add-ons — significantly less than what was on offer from the Saudi side.
Kavukcu’s revelation underscores the emotional connection Osimhen developed with Galatasaray during his loan spell, where he became a fan favourite after scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 season.
The striker’s €75m price tag makes him the most expensive player in Turkish football history, comfortably eclipsing the previous record held by Youssef En-Nesyri, who joined Fenerbahçe for €19.5m.
Speaking in his first official interview with the club, Osimhen expressed deep emotion about his permanent move, declaring that Galatasaray offers him the perfect environment to express himself fully.
“This is where I can express myself fully through my football and with everything that I am,” Osimhen said in an interview with Galatasaray’s official YouTube channel.
“I’m truly grateful to everyone who worked to bring me here. I came because I love this place, and I feel good here.”
The Nigeria international was unveiled to a raucous welcome in Istanbul on Wednesday night, with thousands of Galatasaray supporters flooding the Atatürk Airport and lining the streets to celebrate his arrival.
Osimhen revealed that his decision to commit permanently was influenced by the overwhelming support he received from Galatasaray supporters throughout his loan spell, singling out the fans who tracked his arrival flight and showed up in large numbers.
“I want to sincerely thank all the fans who followed our flight and came out to welcome me. I believe I will give my best here and show myself in the best way,” he said.
“I can’t wait to meet the fans again. This is my home now.”
The former Napoli forward thanked his previous club on social media after his permanent move was announced. The striker scored 76 goals in 133 appearances with the Partenopei, contributing to their 2022/23 Serie A title as the league’s top scorer.(Punch)
