Galatasaray have stepped up their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with manager Okan Buruk reportedly making a personal phone call to the prolific forward in a bid to convince him to join the Turkish giants on a permanent basis.
This revelation was made by Turkish sports journalist and A Spor commentator Zeki Uzundurukan, who claimed that Buruk directly contacted Osimhen to express Galatasaray’s eagerness to have him lead their attack again in the upcoming season.
According to Uzundurukan, Buruk told Osimhen during the call:
“We are waiting for you at Galatasaray.”
The details were first relayed by Turkish sports outlet Habersarikirmizi, which described the conversation as “a very good meeting” and a strong indication of Galatasaray’s ambition to secure Osimhen’s services permanently.
Galatasaray’s Bold Move for Osimhen
Victor Osimhen enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 season on loan at Galatasaray, becoming the club’s most influential player with 37 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. His goals were crucial in helping the Istanbul-based club win the Turkish Süper Lig title and make an impressive run in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite returning to Napoli at the end of his loan spell, speculation has been rife about the striker’s future, with several European clubs reportedly interested. However, Galatasaray are determined to retain the 26-year-old and are now taking aggressive steps to make the deal permanent.
Okan Buruk Leading the Charge
Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, is believed to be playing a central role in the club’s strategy to keep Osimhen. His direct approach—calling the player himself—is seen as a powerful statement of intent and a reflection of how highly he values the Super Eagles star.
Speaking on A Spor, Uzundurukan emphasized the importance of the call:
“Okan Buruk had a phone conversation with Victor Osimhen and said, ‘We are waiting for you at Galatasaray.’ It was a very good meeting. Galatasaray are very serious about bringing him back permanently.”
Buruk is widely credited with getting the best out of Osimhen during the 2024/25 campaign, with the striker thriving under his system. Their strong relationship could be a key factor in tipping the scales in Galatasaray’s favor.
Osimhen Yet to Decide His Future
While Galatasaray’s efforts are commendable, Victor Osimhen has not yet made a final decision about where he will play next season. The Nigerian striker, who has long been linked with a big-money move away from Napoli, is believed to be weighing his options carefully.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly stated that the club is open to selling Osimhen but only at the right price, reportedly in the region of €100 million.
Clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have all been monitoring the striker’s situation, but no official bids have materialized so far. Galatasaray, however, appear to be the most proactive in trying to close a deal.
Why Galatasaray Is a Strong Option
Despite being outside Europe’s so-called “big five” leagues, Galatasaray remains one of the continent’s most historic and successful clubs. Their fanbase is passionate, their infrastructure is elite, and their recent domestic dominance gives them leverage in attracting top players.
Moreover, Osimhen’s remarkable success in Istanbul last season means he would be returning to a system that suits his style and a team where he is adored by fans. The club’s participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League is also a huge incentive.
Financial Challenges Still to Be Addressed
While Galatasaray’s interest is strong, financing a permanent move for Osimhen could prove challenging. Napoli’s high valuation and Osimhen’s wage demands are potential stumbling blocks.
However, the Turkish club’s board is reportedly exploring multiple financing models, including sponsorship-backed packages and performance-based clauses to spread the cost of the transfer. The involvement of Okan Buruk and the player’s positive experiences in Turkey could aid negotiations.
Turkish Media Reacts
Local Turkish media outlets have been buzzing with excitement over the news of Buruk’s call to Osimhen. Several pundits believe that the personal approach could be the difference-maker.
Mustafa Dogru, a Turkish football analyst, commented on TRT Spor:
“It’s rare to see a manager make a direct approach at this level. Okan Buruk’s call shows how serious Galatasaray is about bringing Osimhen back. It’s now up to the player and Napoli to respond.”
Social media has also exploded with Galatasaray fans urging the striker to return, with hashtags like #ComeBackOsimhen and #OsimhenToGalatasaray trending in Turkey.
What’s Next?
Galatasaray is expected to open formal negotiations with Napoli in the coming days, with hopes of agreeing on a transfer fee that satisfies all parties. Osimhen, meanwhile, is currently on vacation following international duty with Nigeria and is expected to make a decision soon.
With the new season fast approaching, the pressure is on Galatasaray to act quickly. If they succeed in securing Osimhen permanently, it would not only be a major coup for Turkish football but also a clear signal of the club’s growing ambition on the European stage.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, but Galatasaray have emerged as a strong contender thanks to a bold personal intervention from manager Okan Buruk. The Nigerian striker’s stellar form last season in Istanbul, combined with his strong relationship with Buruk, makes a return to the club an enticing possibility.
While challenges remain—particularly around finances—the Turkish champions appear ready to do everything it takes to bring Osimhen back. The next few weeks could be decisive in determining whether one of Africa’s brightest stars returns to a club where he is already a hero.
