‘I was ready to pay’ – Fenerbahçe chief makes Osimhen revelation as Galatasaray near UCL QF

Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xNicolòxCampoxIMAGO

Fenerbahçe board member Hakan Safi has revealed that he was willing to take extraordinary steps to bring Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the club, Soccernet.ng reports.

In the summer of 2025, when it became clear that Galatasaray were close to pulling off the incredible capture of Osimhen, Fenerbahçe attempted to hijack the deal.

Safi has confessed that he was one of those Fenerbahçe insiders who wanted Osimhen at Fenerbahçe and even offered to fund the entire transfer himself, if money was the issue.

The Turkish businessman, who also backs Fenerbahce’s basketball operations, has explained that he had the money ready and was fully prepared to complete the deal.

 “I was going to complete the Osimhen transfer, I had prepared the money, I was ready to pay. They didn’t tell me to ‘go ahead.’” he said as per Buzz Spor, making it clear that finances were not the issue.

Instead, Safi pointed to a lack of approval from the club’s leadership, particularly president Ali Koç, as the key reason the move never happened. Without that green light, the ambitious plan could not go ahead.

Safi also outlined a unique transfer model. He intended to buy Osimhen through his own company and then hand the player over to Fenerbahçe, a structure sometimes used in high-profile deals. However, even that bold idea was not enough to convince the club hierarchy.

Interestingly, there was another major obstacle to the completion of that ambitious transfer: Osimhen himself. Despite claims that Fenerbahçe were willing to offer significantly more money, the striker was said to be keen on joining Galatasaray instead. Safi has since hinted that if he ever becomes club president, he would make signing top-level forwards a priority and ensure money would never stand in the way.

Soccer Fenerbahçe watch on as Osimhen, Galatasaray target European glory

While Fenerbahçe hesitated, Galatasaray moved decisively. The Turkish giants secured Osimhen in a deal worth €75 million after a hugely successful loan spell in which he helped them win the 2024/25 Süper Lig title. That swift action proved decisive, as they beat off competition to land one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Osimhen has since become the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack, delivering goals and leadership in equal measure. His performances have not only justified the club’s investment but have also pushed them to the brink of a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Holding a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool from the first leg, Galatasaray head to Anfield knowing they are just one strong performance away from reaching the last eight. It is a daunting task, especially given their poor away record in England, but Osimhen’s form offers real hope.

Liverpool, boosted by the return of key defender Ibrahima Konaté, will be confident of overturning the deficit at home. Yet much of the spotlight will fall on Osimhen, who boast seven goals and three assists in nine Champions League games.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

A lifelong fan of Arsenal and the Super Eagles, Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng, where his journey as a journalist began more than six years ago. Since then, he has helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and guided it toward some of its proudest milestones.

With a background in Engineering and further training in journalism and digital media, Imhons brings both precision and passion to his storytelling. His love for football runs deep, but he also follows boxing, chess, and athletics with equal curiosity.