Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has officially completed a permanent move to Turkish giants Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli in a landmark €75 million deal. The transfer not only secures Osimhen’s long-term future in Istanbul but also sets a new transfer record in Turkish football history.
The 26-year-old forward had spent the previous season on loan with Galatasaray, where he delivered a stellar performance, scoring 26 goals in 30 league appearances and playing a crucial role in the club’s 25th Turkish Super Lig title. His form left little doubt about Galatasaray’s intentions to make the move permanent, and they have now succeeded in doing so after weeks of negotiations.
Osimhen’s conspicuous absence from Napoli’s pre-season training camp earlier this week sparked speculation over his future, with sources indicating that a deal was already in its final stages. Despite his heroics in Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A title-winning campaign, the Nigerian forward did not feature in the plans of new manager Antonio Conte for the 2025/26 season.
Talks between Napoli and Galatasaray reportedly hit a snag over the structure of payments, causing delays in concluding the agreement. However, both clubs reached a breakthrough on Thursday, paving the way for the record-breaking switch to be finalized.
The €75 million transfer fee now makes Osimhen Galatasaray’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing previous records in the Turkish top flight. The move also reinforces Galatasaray’s ambitions on the continental stage as they prepare for another UEFA Champions League campaign.
In response to Osimhen’s departure, Napoli have acted swiftly by bringing in Belgian midfield star Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, signaling the club’s intent to rebuild and maintain competitiveness in Serie A and Europe.
