Galatasaray vice president Ibrahim Hatipoglu has expressed growing confidence that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will remain in Istanbul, despite interest from several top European clubs including Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen, who scored an astonishing 37 goals in 41 appearances while on loan at Galatasaray last season, remains under contract with Napoli until 2026 — with an option to extend to 2027.
Interest in the Nigerian forward is at an all-time high, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus linked with a summer swoop.
Osimhen has already rejected multiple bids from Al-Hilal despite the Saudi Arabian giants’ willingness to match his salary demands.
Still, Galatasaray are confident they can work their magic and convince Osimhen to return to Istanbul on a permanent deal.
The Turkish champions are eager to retain the 26-year-old’s services and have entered into advanced negotiations.
What Galatasaray VP said of Victor Osimhen
“When they offered us Osimhen, we didn’t need a striker, but we signed him in two days,” Hatipoglu told AS via Sportmediaset.
“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.”
Galatasaray are reportedly unfazed by competing offers, including several from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, which Osimhen has already turned down. Liverpool and Manchester are also reportedly holding talks with the former Lille ace. But Galatasaray remain unshaken.
Hatipoglu reiterated the club’s intent:
“We are negotiating Osimhen, but there are offers from other teams. Galatasaray have also made an offer. The chances of Victor staying are increasing day by day, but the negotiations are long.”
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Osimhen’s €75 million release clause is only valid for clubs outside Serie A, limiting potential suitors in Italy and increasing the appeal for foreign clubs.
Manchester United remain one of the leading contenders, with reports suggesting the Red Devils are willing to include Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee to reduce the cash component of any potential deal.
Still, Galatasaray are determined.
“We have the budget to guarantee his permanence,” said Hatipoglu. “It won’t be easy, but with each passing day, the chances of him staying at Galatasaray increase.”
The Super Eagles star has netted 65 goals in 108 Serie A appearances for Napoli and won the league’s Golden Boot in 2023–24.
Osimhen repeated the feat in Turkey, clinching the Super Lig’s topscorer award while powering Galatasaray to a domestic double.