ISTANBUL — Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is on the verge of completing a sensational €75 million move from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray, with the Istanbul-based club set to unveil the star forward this weekend.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu is scheduled to travel to Italy between Tuesday and Wednesday to finalise the deal, after which he is expected to return to Istanbul with the 26-year-old striker.
The highly anticipated transfer is one of the biggest in Turkish football history, with Galatasaray paying €40 million upfront to Napoli and the remaining €35 million due by the end of 2026. Osimhen is set to earn an annual salary of €16 million with the Yellow-Reds.
Club officials have reportedly lined up a grand unveiling ceremony to introduce Osimhen to fans during their home match against Lazio on Saturday, August 2.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals and registered eight assists in 41 matches for Napoli last season, is regarded as one of the most prolific strikers in world football. His arrival in Istanbul has sparked excitement among Galatasaray supporters, eager to see their new star lead the line in the coming season.
Beyond his footballing talent, Osimhen’s story has continued to inspire fans worldwide. Speaking in a recent video interview on a Nigerian YouTube channel, the Lagos-born striker opened up about his humble beginnings and the struggles that shaped his journey.
“Seven children, my mum, and my dad all lived in a single room,” he said. “Most people who know me know that I would have succeeded even without football. But the conditions where I grew up were far from encouraging.”
He recounted how he once quit football to take on menial jobs such as carrying water, yet never lost sight of his dream. “There were a few friends in my neighbourhood who played football like me. This small community was full of talent. But when the field shut down, many dreams died. I couldn’t let my dream die.”
Osimhen added, “What this neighbourhood taught me is this: Nothing here is handed to you on a silver platter. Whatever you want, you have to fight for it.”
Despite his rise to global fame, Osimhen has not shied away from speaking about the personal toll that stardom has taken on his life. In a recent clip shared on social media platform X by Instablog9ja, he described fame as restrictive and emotionally challenging.
“Fame is boring,” he said. “Sometimes you want to go outside, and you cannot do a lot of things. I missed my daughter’s first outing because of the crowd and attention.”
Yet, the Super Eagles star said he finds peace in being around everyday people, especially when his personal security is present. “If I have my security and they are strapped, for me, I’m good. I can be among these people. I don’t care. This is my life. This is how I live.”
As Galatasaray prepare to roll out the red carpet for one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, fans await the official announcement and a new chapter in Osimhen’s remarkable career.
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