Revealed: Osimhen’s ₦52 billion sacrifice that helped seal Galatasaray transfer

Victor Osimhen is one of the highest-paid African footballers in 2025 after his transfer to Galatasaray | Credit: Instagram/@galatasaray

Revealed: Osimhen’s ₦52 billion sacrifice that helped seal Galatasaray transfer

Ayoola Kelechi 20:22 - 01.08.2025

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen was eager to rejoin Galatasaray and even had to make some sacrifices to ensure his dream transfer

Victor Osimhen has officially joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis in a deal worth €75 million, but the real story is the staggering amount of money he walked away from to make the move happen.

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The Nigerian striker turned down jaw-dropping offers, including a reported €30 million-a-year contract from Saudi Arabia, just to return to Istanbul.

Osimhen chose legacy over luxury with Galatasaray move

Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu could not hide his pride when speaking about the blockbuster deal.

Victor Osimhen is one of the highest-paid African footballers in 2025 after his transfer to Galatasaray | Credit: Instagram/@galatasaray

According to him, Osimhen’s decision to reject massive financial offers from other clubs showed just how committed the Nigerian striker was to returning to Istanbul. Juventus and Saudi giants Al-Hilal had both made serious attempts to lure Osimhen, with the latter reportedly offering €30 million per year.

But Osimhen said no, choosing instead to return to a club where he felt truly valued. Kavukcu described the gesture as “enormous” and explained that the amount Osimhen gave up was something no other player would even consider.

Victor Osimhen is one of the highest-paid African footballers in 2025 after his transfer to Galatasaray | Credit: Instagram

The vice president also highlighted that the deal was handled responsibly, without creating debt for the club’s future. Instead, Galatasaray registered Osimhen’s contract as part of the club’s capital.

While Osimhen will still earn €15 million per season at Galatasaray, the difference in salary shows how much he prioritised passion over payday.

Osimhen ends Napoli chapter in style

Victor Osimhen’s journey from Naples to Istanbul has been filled with goals, headlines, and now, loyalty. The Nigerian forward officially parted ways with Napoli after scoring 76 goals in 133 matches and helping them clinch the 2022-23 Serie A title.

Osimhen and his family with the Serie A title | Imago

He was their top scorer during that iconic campaign and leaves behind a legacy that fans in Naples will never forget.

His loan spell at Galatasaray in the 2024–25 season proved just as explosive as his best Serie A seasons, with 37 goals in 41 matches, making it clear that he had found the right fit.

Osimhen and his daughter Hailey True were welcomed by thousands of Galatasaray fans in Istanbul | Credit: Instagram/@victorosimhen9

After months of speculation and interest from Europe’s and the Middle East’s biggest spenders, he made his feelings clear with a quiet but impactful gesture.

He thanked Napoli on social media, closing one chapter with grace and opening another with ambition. Osimhen is back in Istanbul, this time as a permanent force. And judging by his form, Galatasaray’s bet is already looking like a jackpot.