Former Fenerbahce midfielder Sergen Yalcin has warned Galatasaray against spending €80 million to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen permanently.
According to Soccernet.ng, Osimhen’s loan spell at Galatasaray was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 36 goals and contributed eight assists in 40 appearances, helping the club clinch both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
Despite the Nigerian’s impact, Yalcin questioned the financial logic of meeting Napoli’s asking price for the 26-year-old forward.
“Osimhen is a very good player, but a figure like 80 million Euros is not realistic in this league,” Yalcin told Ege de SonSoz. “Yes, Osimhen should be acquired, but not by paying 80 million Euros. These figures are a dream in such a league. Let’s be realistic.”
Galatasaray fans and board pushing for permanent move
The Lions’ faithful have gone the extra mile to show their affection for Osimhen. In a recent game, the striker’s daughter was even invited to announce his name after a goal—highlighting just how deeply the connection has grown.
Club executives are eager to secure the Super Eagles forward on a permanent basis and are reportedly willing to meet his personal terms. However, doing so would mean smashing the Turkish transfer record. Currently, the highest transfer fee paid by a Super Lig club stands at €19.5 million—what Fenerbahce shelled out for Youssef En-Nesyri last summer.
Is Champions League glory enough to justify the fee?
Yalcin stressed that no single player can guarantee continental success and suggested that winning the UEFA Champions League would be the only way to justify such an investment.
“Will Galatasaray win the Champions League by getting Osimhen? Do you really believe that? These things cannot be done with just transfers. Planning, squad depth, system… It’s all a whole,” he added.
Premier League interest remains strong
Although Galatasaray are doing everything to keep him, Osimhen has long expressed an interest in playing in the English Premier League. He has been linked with top-flight clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
With Napoli lowering his valuation to €70 million, a bid from any of these clubs could change the narrative quickly. If that happens, a permanent move to Rams Park may no longer be on the cards.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
