Why we refused to sign Victor Osimhen last summer – Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan

Soccer

Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan has revealed that thry had a chance to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on loan last summer, but it did not work out due to financial restraints, Soccernet.ng reports.

Last summer, Osimhen was involved is a transfer debacle. The 26-year-old striker was expected to leave Naples for a big club following for impressive season.

Osimhen was linked with many top clubs, especially in the English Premier League. Unfortunately, none of the links materialised, which meant that he had to stay put at Napoli.

Soccer YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

However, Antonio Conte, who was appointed as coach last summer did not include Osimhen in his plans, leaving the former Lille man out of his official squad for the season.

Soccer Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen (Photo credit: Imago)

This meant that the Super Eagles star was left with the option of joining another club outside the top five leagues or stay at Napoli without playing football until January.

Eventually, Osimhen joined Galatasaray in a deal that would see the Turkish champions pay all his wages. the transfer has turned out to be a success, as Osimhen has contributed 33 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions. He is also on course to winning the Super Lig with The Lions.

In a related development, the President of Trabzonspor, Dogan, has revealed that Osimhen could have been their player if they had the finances to outmuscle their rivals Galatasaray.

Soccer Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring a goal
Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring a goal [Photo credit/ Imago]

“Agents suggested Victor Osimhen to everyone in Turkey, Dogan said, per A Spor.

“We were one of the suggested clubs, and the figures were clear. We told them that we, as Trabzonspor, could not give these figures. If we gave 20, Galatasaray would have given 25.

Will Victor Osimhen stay in Turkey beyond this season?

The have been talks that Galatasaray want to keep Victor Osimhen beyond the end of the campaign. But with his talent and his ambition, only a miracle would make him stay at the club or Turkey beyond this season.

The Super Eagles star has been linked to a lot of top clubs in recent months, including teams in the English Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A.

Osimhen would likely priortitize a transfer to a club in one of the top five leagues in Europe where he can play with the biggest players and feature in the biggest competitions in the world.

Soccer Kelvin Omachonu


Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Read MoreKelvin Omachonu

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tesla’s Business Has Become Much More Diversified in Just the Past Five Years. Does That Make Its Stock a Better Buy Today?

Key Points Tesla's energy generation and storage segment generated 27% revenue growth last year. The company's non-automotive segments were able to help offset a double-digit decline in auto revenue in 2025. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is known for its electric vehicles (EVs), and while they

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand