How never-before-seen experience convinced Osimhen to return to Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen is on the verge of completing a permanent transfer to Galatasaray, following a transformative loan spell in Istanbul.

Despite more lucrative offers elsewhere, the Nigerian striker chose to stay where he felt a deeper connection.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed that Osimhen was the driving force behind the move, with emotion playing a larger role than money.

“Galatasaray fans gave Osimhen the kind of love he’d never experienced before. That is why I always believed that he would stay,” Buruk said in an interview with Tivibu Spor.

The striker scored an astonishing 37 goals and provided 8 assists in 41 competitive appearances last season, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Buruk credited supporters for influencing the player’s decision: “The most important part was done by the fans. They made Osimhen experience something special.”

Despite Napoli’s preference to sell Osimhen to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, who were ready to pay in full immediately, the player remained firm in his wish to return to Istanbul.

The Turkish club eventually secured the €75 million deal after agreeing on financial guarantees and a payment structure.

According to Buruk, the situation mirrored Mauro Icardi’s own commitment to Galatasaray, with fan passion tipping the scale.

Osimhen had already signed a €10 million-per-season contract with Napoli, but with no suitors willing to trigger his €110 million release clause, he opted for a loan move to Galatasaray in September 2024.

That decision, initially born out of necessity, quickly turned into something more permanent, powered by love.