Soccer
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has turned down an approach from Turkish rivals Fenerbahce, making it clear that a switch to the Süper Lig side is not part of his plans, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian international, currently on loan from Napoli, is expected to be at the centre of one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.
Osimhen has enjoyed a sensational spell in Istanbul, scoring 29 goals and providing six assists across 33 appearances for Galatasaray in all competitions, helping them chase a potential domestic double.
While Galatasaray are reportedly keen to make his loan permanent, the 26-year-old striker has attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Juventus are eyeing him as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, while Barcelona have identified him as a long-term successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski.
Champions League holders Real Madrid have also joined the race, and long-time admirers Paris Saint-Germain remain in the conversation.
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However, Osimhen’s ultimate dream remains a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all monitoring his situation closely.
Despite the growing interest from elite European clubs, Fenerbahce also made a surprise bid to lure Osimhen from their fierce city rivals.
The club, managed by José Mourinho, reportedly engaged a high-profile agent in an attempt to open talks.
But according to Nigerian journalist and Osimhen confidant Buchi Laba, the striker dismissed the approach immediately.
Posting on social media, Laba revealed:
“Fenerbahçe involved a big agent to try and convince Victor Osimhen, but all approach was immediately rebuffed. It is impossible. There are bigger, better clubs interested. Decision will be made at the end of the season.”
The rejection will sting for Fenerbahce, who find themselves second in the Turkish Süper Lig, trailing Galatasaray by three points.
They were also knocked out of the Turkish Cup by their bitter rivals, with Osimhen finding the net in that encounter. A trophyless season now looms for Mourinho’s men.
While several players in the past — such as Emre Belözoğlu, Mehmet Topal, and Michy Batshuayi — have crossed the Istanbul divide, Osimhen is unlikely to join that list.
His performances for Galatasaray have not only made him a cult hero among the club’s fans but also solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards.
Osimhen has a €75 million release clause in his Napoli contract, which becomes active should he join a club outside Italy. Napoli’s sporting director Mauro Meluso has confirmed the existence of that clause, which several suitors are prepared to trigger once the window opens.
With his future set to be one of the summer’s headline sagas, Osimhen’s next move will likely come after the season’s conclusion — but Fenerbahce are officially out of the race.
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