Istanbul, Turkey – July 22, 2025 — Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen is set to touch down in Istanbul on Tuesday, where thousands of Galatasaray supporters are expected to give him a historic welcome ahead of his highly anticipated unveiling as the club’s new marquee signing.
This confirmation came from renowned Turkish football commentator Hakan Gündoğar, who revealed in a statement via Habersarikirmizi that Osimhen’s arrival date has been finalized, and he will officially meet Galatasaray fans the same day.
“Osimhen will be in Istanbul on Tuesday. Clear information. He will meet with Galatasaray fans on Tuesday,” Gündoğar said, igniting a fresh wave of excitement across Turkish football circles.
The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker has emerged as the most high-profile transfer into the Turkish Super Lig this summer. Galatasaray fans are gearing up for what many believe will be one of the most dramatic and emotional player arrivals in the club’s rich history.
Supporters across Istanbul have been mobilizing online and offline, organizing welcome rallies and social media campaigns with hashtags such as #OsimhenGalatasaray and #AslanVictor trending across Turkish platforms. Fans are planning a massive turnout at Istanbul Airport and the Türk Telekom Stadium to celebrate the Nigerian forward’s arrival.
Osimhen’s move comes after weeks of intense negotiations between Turkish champions Galatasaray and Italian giants Napoli, with both clubs finally reaching a breakthrough on the financial terms of the deal last week. According to inside sources, Galatasaray agreed to pay Osimhen’s full release clause of €75 million in two separate instalments — €40 million up front, with the remaining €35 million to follow within a year.
This move shatters all previous Turkish transfer records, making Osimhen the most expensive incoming player in the history of the Süper Lig and a strong statement of Galatasaray’s ambition to compete in Europe on a serious level.
The former Lille and Napoli forward had previously been heavily courted by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who reportedly offered a lucrative contract worth over €40 million per season. However, Osimhen is said to have turned down the astronomical salary offer, choosing instead to pursue a competitive football environment in Turkey and a passionate fanbase with Champions League ambitions.
This decision has only elevated Osimhen’s reputation in the eyes of many Galatasaray faithful and African fans alike. Choosing passion over pay, the Lagos-born striker has reaffirmed his desire to grow on the European stage while connecting with a club known for its fiery support and footballing legacy.
Osimhen is no stranger to Galatasaray, having spent the entire 2024/25 season on loan at the club from Napoli. During his loan spell, he became a fan favorite after scoring 21 goals in all competitions and helping the Istanbul club reclaim the Süper Lig title from archrivals Fenerbahçe.
His consistent goal-scoring prowess, high work rate, and commanding presence in the box made him a standout performer and vital figure in Galatasaray’s domestic success and European campaign last season.
Following that spell, Galatasaray made no secret of their intention to secure Osimhen on a permanent basis. However, Napoli initially held firm to the striker’s €75 million buyout clause, stalling negotiations. The breakthrough only came after Galatasaray’s management, led by club president Dursun Özbek and sporting director Cenk Ergün, presented a comprehensive financial guarantee plan to meet Napoli’s conditions.
Sources close to the negotiation also credit Osimhen himself for pushing the deal forward. The striker reportedly urged his agents and Napoli to prioritize a return to Galatasaray, where he had developed strong bonds with the fans, his teammates, and the city.
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk praised Osimhen’s professionalism and his desire to remain at the club. “Victor is a special player. His mentality, his energy, and his commitment to the team make him more than just a goal scorer. We wanted him to stay, and he wanted to stay. Now, we look forward to writing history together,” Buruk stated.
Osimhen’s permanent transfer marks a significant moment not only for Galatasaray but also for Nigerian football fans, many of whom have closely followed his journey from the streets of Lagos to the biggest stadiums of Europe. A symbol of determination and talent, his success continues to inspire the next generation of African footballers.
As the countdown begins to his Tuesday arrival, Istanbul is buzzing with anticipation. Reports indicate that Galatasaray is planning a grand presentation ceremony at the Türk Telekom Stadium later this week, similar to the famous player unveilings seen at clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Over 50,000 fans are expected to attend the event, with fireworks, music, and video tributes already in preparation.
Meanwhile, the Turkish press has dubbed the transfer a “game-changer” for the league, hailing it as proof that Turkish football can attract world-class talent even in the face of competition from oil-rich Middle Eastern leagues.
Osimhen’s return will also reignite expectations around Galatasaray’s 2025/26 season. With the club already reinforcing other key areas, including midfield and defense, fans are optimistic that they can go beyond the group stages in the UEFA Champions League and defend their Süper Lig crown.
Back in Nigeria, support for Osimhen remains unwavering. Several local football groups and youth academies have scheduled viewing events to watch his official presentation in Istanbul. His journey continues to reflect the hopes of a continent and the dreams of countless aspiring footballers.
As Osimhen prepares to be officially unveiled, his decision to turn down oil riches for football glory and fan love speaks volumes. Tuesday marks not just the arrival of a player — but the return of a hero.
Stay with Africa Live News for exclusive photos and updates from Victor Osimhen’s Istanbul arrival and presentation ceremony.
