Istanbul, Turkey – August 1, 2025 — Abdullah Kavukçu, Vice President of Galatasaray, has shed light on the rigorous and determined efforts that enabled the Turkish giants to permanently acquire Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for a historic sum, notably without resorting to player sales or external borrowing.
Osimhen's sensational move from Napoli to Galatasaray, finalized for a staggering €75 million, now stands as the most expensive transfer in the annals of Turkish football. This landmark agreement includes a 10% sell-on clause for Napoli and performance-based bonuses linked to Osimhen’s prolific goal tally.
Having previously impressed during a highly successful loan spell last season, the 26-year-old was greeted by an overwhelming sea of jubilant fans upon his arrival at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, where supporters waved Galatasaray flags and passionately chanted his name. In response, Osimhen publicly pledged to reciprocate the club's profound faith with a steady stream of goals and, ultimately, coveted silverware.
Last season, Osimhen was nothing short of phenomenal, netting an incredible 37 goals in 41 appearances. His pivotal contributions were instrumental in Galatasaray securing the league title, firmly cementing his status as a beloved fan favorite. His permanent return is widely viewed as a monumental boost to the club’s ambitions across both domestic competitions and their European campaigns.
Speaking with Hurriyet, Kavukçu offered insights into the intricate process that brought this monumental transfer to fruition:
“My president and I believed in this vision and initiated the process as far back as January,” Kavukçu explained. “We worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds without resorting to selling any of our existing players or incurring new debt. A significant portion of the fee is being paid upfront, with the full amount scheduled to be covered within the next year.”
Kavukçu also addressed earlier skepticism surrounding their pursuit of the Nigerian forward: “Some people initially scoffed at us, dismissing our efforts as mere PR stunts. Now that the deal is done, we sincerely hope they will acknowledge the immense effort involved. The responsibility now largely rests with our passionate fans.”
He concluded by underscoring the club's financial autonomy and future aspirations: “Galatasaray is a truly massive club. We achieved this monumental signing without needing to ask anyone for financial assistance. Regarding any other potential transfers, we urge our supporters to maintain calm, place their trust in our ongoing efforts, and truly believe in our overarching vision.”
