Galatasaray reject offer to make Osimhen most expensive African transfer

Galatasaray have rejected a verbal offer of €130m from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg, Galatasaray had received the offer on Wednesday through an intermediary acting for Al Hilal. The proposal was made verbally rather than as a formal written bid.

The size of the offer shows how far Al Hilal are prepared to go to sign the 27-year-old striker, but it has not persuaded the Turkish champions to sell.

The decision comes just over a year after Galatasaray paid Napoli €75m to make Osimhen’s move to Istanbul permanent. That transfer, completed in July 2025, set a Turkish football record for the highest fee paid for a player.

Osimhen had spent the previous season on loan at Galatasaray after his relationship with Napoli broke down. He quickly became a central figure in Istanbul, helping the club win domestic honours and becoming a major attacking threat in European competition.

The Nigerian forward’s value has continued to rise because of his goals, physical strength and experience at the highest level. Transfermarkt currently lists him at a €75m market value, although the €130m Al Hilal proposal shows that his importance to Galatasaray is being valued much higher by clubs willing to spend heavily.

Had Galatasaray accepted €130m, the transfer would have placed Osimhen at the very top end of African transfer history.

Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande’s reported €125m move from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid in July is currently the highest fee ever paid for an African player. That means a €130m Osimhen deal would have surpassed that record and placed the Nigeria international at the peak.

Al Hilal’s interest also fits the Saudi club’s search for elite attacking talent. The Riyadh side have built a squad capable of competing for domestic titles and on the Asian stage, while the Saudi Pro League continues to attract established international stars.

Osimhen would bring a different profile to the attack. He is a powerful centre-forward who can run behind defenders, attack crosses and lead the press. His pace also allows him to threaten teams in transition, making him valuable in matches where Al Hilal face opponents defending deep.

Yet Galatasaray’s response has made their position clear. Despite the extraordinary amount offered, they have rejected the approach rather than allowing the striker to leave immediately.

The decision is also significant because Galatasaray have their own sporting targets for the 2026-27 campaign. Osimhen is expected to be an important part of their plans as they defend their position at the top of Turkish football and prepare for another demanding European season.

For now, though, the Nigerian striker stays in Istanbul.