Galatasaray’s vice-president, Abdullah Kavukcu, has boldly declared that Nigerian superstar striker Victor Osimhen is determined to join the Turkish giants, despite reportedly receiving lucrative offers from top European clubs. The senior club official made the revelation on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, during an interview that has since stirred massive conversation across Turkish and African football communities.
Kavukcu’s passionate remarks followed reports that Galatasaray and Serie A side Napoli had reached a critical agreement on bank guarantees and a structured payment plan for Osimhen’s long-speculated move to Istanbul. Though both clubs have yet to officially announce the deal, the Galatasaray executive’s confident tone indicates that negotiations are progressing well—and perhaps nearing completion.
“No one can mock Galatasaray,” said Abdullah Kavukcu, as quoted by respected Turkish football journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu. “Nobody believed in us. We showed the world that Galatasaray has such a capability. No one can talk to us differently.”
According to Kavukcu, the former Lille and current Napoli forward has shown a clear desire to join Galatasaray. Despite being one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, with strong links to clubs in England, France, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, Osimhen has allegedly rejected more lucrative offers elsewhere in favour of wearing the yellow and red jersey of the Istanbul-based giants.
“Osimhen wants us badly,” Kavukcu declared. “Despite receiving incredible offers, he wants us. He stands firm.”
These remarks have instantly sparked excitement and renewed optimism among Galatasaray fans, many of whom had dismissed the club’s chances of landing a player of Osimhen’s calibre. Known for his electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and relentless energy on the pitch, Osimhen was the Serie A top scorer in the 2022–23 season and remains one of the most valuable forwards in world football today.
The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker, who helped Napoli to a historic Serie A title during the 2022–23 season, has long been linked with a move away from Italy. With tensions reportedly high between Osimhen and Napoli’s board in recent months—especially following disagreements over his future and social media controversies—the door to an exit has appeared increasingly open. However, few expected that Galatasaray would emerge as a leading contender for his signature.
Abdullah Kavukcu’s declaration now positions Galatasaray not only as serious suitors but as front-runners for Osimhen’s signature, a move that would send shockwaves through European football.
“If there are five clubs in the world today, Galatasaray will definitely be one of them,” Kavukcu added, reflecting the club’s rising ambition and growing self-belief. “We are present at every table. Relax.”
The vice-president also took a moment to address sceptics, particularly those on social media who have questioned the feasibility of the deal. Many fans and pundits had mocked the idea of Osimhen choosing the Turkish Süper Lig over other elite leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, or Bundesliga. But Kavukcu urged unity and belief within the Galatasaray fan base, saying that collective support could make what seems impossible a reality.
“Don’t pay too much attention to social media. If we stay united, we can achieve anything,” he said.
Osimhen’s potential move would not only be a historic signing for Galatasaray, but also a landmark moment for African football. The Lagos-born striker has become a symbol of excellence for many young African talents, and his decision to possibly join Galatasaray could inspire a new wave of top players to consider Turkish clubs as viable career destinations.
While some critics argue that a move to Turkey could be seen as a step down for a player at the peak of his powers, others insist that Galatasaray’s project—and the chance to be a focal point in a Champions League campaign—offers a different kind of appeal. The club has invested heavily in talent in recent seasons and is now aiming to reclaim its position as a continental force.
If the deal goes through, Osimhen would become one of the highest-profile signings in Süper Lig history. Financial details are still under wraps, but sources close to the negotiations suggest that Galatasaray is putting together a well-structured offer that satisfies Napoli’s demands without breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. Much of the agreement reportedly hinges on a staggered payment model and bank guarantees to ensure compliance and sustainability.
For now, Galatasaray fans are buzzing with anticipation, hopeful that Osimhen’s signature will soon be secured. The club, founded in 1905 and one of Turkey’s most decorated football institutions, has made no secret of its intent to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels of European football once more.
As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Istanbul and Naples. Victor Osimhen’s decision could redefine the footballing landscape in both countries, and possibly set a new precedent for how African superstars chart their career paths outside the conventional European elite.
Whether this bold move becomes a reality remains to be seen—but one thing is now clear: Galatasaray is playing big, speaking boldly, and dreaming louder than ever before.
