Turkey national team coach Vincenzo Montella has praised Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking transfer to Galatasaray, describing the move as a defining moment for Turkish football, Soccernet.ng reports.
Victor Osimhen, who returned to Istanbul this summer after a spectacular loan spell from Napoli, became the most expensive signing in Turkish football history when Galatasaray paid €75m to secure his services permanently. The fee set a new benchmark for the Süper Lig as Galatasaray showed their ambition to remain a force in Europe.
Napoli had initially been reluctant to let Victor Osimhen leave for Turkey, preferring to sell him to Saudi side Al Nassr, who were prepared to pay immediately and offer the 26-year-old one of the most lucrative contracts in world football.
But the Super Eagles forward made clear that his heart was set on Galatasaray.
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Negotiations dragged on for weeks, with Napoli insisting on strict conditions, including a clause preventing the striker from joining another Italian club for the next two years.
For Montella, the saga represents more than just a blockbuster signing. The Italian, who once played for Roma and Fulham, believes Osimhen’s decision to return to Turkey in his prime can reshape perceptions of the Süper Lig.
“Osimhen showed that he wanted to play for Galatasaray, no matter what, and he fought an incredible fight with Napoli to get back,” Montella said as per Fotomac.
“Being such a young and important player, having achieved international status, he has the capacity to guide other players to come here. Of course, it’s gratifying that such important players are coming.”
Victor Osimhen was at his goalscoring best last season when he found the net 37 times and added eight assists to fire Galatasaray to a domestic double.
The Super Eagles star’s explosive performances earned him cult status among fans, who now view his permanent return as a symbol of loyalty to the club.
The Nigerian striker made his first appearance of the new campaign last weekend, coming off the bench in a 3–0 win against Fatih Karagümrük. He is now tipped to start on Sunday when Galatasaray trade tackles with Kayserispor.