GALATASARAY Vice-President Ibrahim Hatipoglu has expressed confidence that Victor Osimhen will opt to remain at the Turkish club on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell.
Super Eagles striker Osimhen spent the last season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli and has a €75m clause included in his contract with the Italian club.
The Nigeria international has already rejected a staggering €45m-a-year offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, and Galatasaray are confident of keeping him at the club beyond the summer.
“When they offered us Osimhen, we didn’t need a striker, but we signed him in two days.” Hatipoglu told AS on Wednesday.
“Abdullah Kavukcu, head of transfers, is handling the process alongside Italian agent George Gardi. With each passing day, the chances of Osimhen staying at Galatasaray increase.”
Osimhen’s spell at Galatasaray was hugely impressive as the 26-year-old contributed 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, powering the club to the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup double.
Osimhen is technically under contract until 2026 at the Stadio Diego Maradona, but Napoli have an option to extend to 2027, which means they could avoid losing him to a free transfer next year.
Apart from Galatasaray, Osimhen is also being reportedly courted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea among other big European clubs.
The 2023/2024 Serie A top scorer netted 65 goals in 108 league appearances for Napoli.