Soccer
Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Copyright: Cody Froggatt / Sportimage / IMAGO
Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara has weighed in on his relationship with Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The pair arrived at Galatasaray in the summer of 2024, with Osimhen joining the Turkish giants on loan from Italian club Napoli before completing a permanent move last summer for a Turkish record €75 million.
Sara, meanwhile, signed from Norwich City after an outstanding campaign in England, where he was named in both the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Championship Team of the Year for the 2023–24 season.
Both players quickly formed a strong understanding on the pitch and the Super Eagles forward has consistently heaped praises on his Brazilian counterpart, including after a 2-1 win over Besiktas in 2024 and the aftermath of a 3-1 win over Goztepe last season.
Since making their debuts for the club, Osimhen and Sara have made a combined 161 appearances across all competitions, helping Galatasaray win back-to-back Super Lig titles and one Turkish Cup during their two seasons together.
Soccer Gabriel Sara breaks down relationship with Osimhen
Osimhen and Sara have often been seen joking with each other both in training and during matches. The Super Eagles forward also celebrated Sara’s first Brazil national team call-up and even backed him to make the country’s FIFA World Cup squad, although he eventually failed to make the cut.
They both featured on Monday as Galatasaray suffered a 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Serie A side Venezia. While the Nigerian star started the match, Sara came off the bench.
Speaking after the game, Sara explained his relationship with the Super Eagles striker and how their constant rivalry has strengthened their friendship at the club.
“Osimhen is my biggest enemy,” Sara said with a laugh, via Forza Cimbom.
“We joke around. The level of rivalry and friendship between us is very high. I get annoyed with him, but he’s a very good friend of mine.”
Despite attracting interest from several clubs this summer, both players are expected to remain at Galatasaray.
Sara has been linked with Premier League sides Aston Villa and Newcastle United, while Osimhen continues to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, neither player appears eager to leave and they are expected to continue their partnership as Galatasaray look to extend their dominance in the Turkish Super Lig while making a stronger push in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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