As the summer transfer window heats up, Galatasaray is once again at the center of major transfer speculation, this time linked to one of the most sought-after forwards in European football — Victor Osimhen. According to well-known Turkish sports journalist Ali Naci Küçük, the Istanbul giants are actively working behind the scenes to try and bring the Nigerian striker to the club, though no concrete timeline has yet emerged.
Küçük’s recent comments have sent waves through Turkish football circles. “I made some calls about Osimhen,” he said in a broadcast, “but nobody can give a specific date. They’re saying, ‘It might be finalized by Friday, or it might not.’ Galatasaray’s goal is to wrap this up within a week.”
These remarks offer both hope and uncertainty — and they reflect the tension and complexity behind what would be one of the most significant transfers in Turkish football history if it comes to fruition.
Who Is Victor Osimhen?
Victor Osimhen is not just any striker. The 25-year-old Nigerian international has rapidly risen to global prominence with his electric pace, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring instinct. After a successful 2022–2023 season with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first Serie A title in over three decades, Osimhen became a household name. He was even shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or and continues to be linked with top-tier clubs across Europe — including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
So how does Galatasaray fit into this picture?
Galatasaray’s Bold Ambition
For Galatasaray, even being linked with a player of Osimhen’s caliber is a bold statement of intent. The club has been investing heavily in recent years, looking to re-establish its place among Europe’s elite. After a strong showing in the Turkish Süper Lig and a respectable campaign in European competitions last season, Galatasaray appears to be pushing forward with aggressive transfer plans.
Club insiders have made it no secret that they want a marquee forward — someone who can deliver goals, lead from the front, and become the face of the team in their Champions League campaign. Osimhen fits that profile perfectly.
But bringing him to Istanbul won’t be easy.
A Complex Negotiation
Ali Naci Küçük’s report captures the heart of the current situation: uncertainty. Despite persistent rumors and alleged progress, no one close to the deal is willing to commit to a timeline. “It might be finalized by Friday, or it might not” — a telling quote that reflects the fluctuating nature of top-tier transfer negotiations.
One of the main complications is Osimhen’s contract with Napoli. He has a release clause reported to be in the range of €120–130 million, and although Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is open to selling, he’s known to be a tough negotiator. Whether Galatasaray can meet that valuation outright or structure a deal creatively — involving add-ons, loans, or installment payments — remains unclear.
There’s also the matter of competition. Clubs from Saudi Arabia have reportedly shown interest, and Premier League sides continue to monitor the situation. If it turns into a bidding war, Galatasaray could be priced out.
Still, the club’s resolve appears strong. The goal, as Küçük puts it, is “to wrap this up within a week.” That suggests Galatasaray is making a full-court press, perhaps leveraging sponsorship deals, private investment, or even selling a key player to make room financially.
Fan Reaction: Excitement and Caution
News of Osimhen’s potential arrival has ignited Galatasaray’s fanbase. Social media is buzzing with mock-up images of Osimhen in the club’s iconic yellow and red kit. Hashtags like #OsimhenGala and #WelcomeVictor are already trending among Turkish fans.
But there’s also caution.
This isn’t the first time Galatasaray has been linked to a major star, only for the deal to fall through in the final hours. Fans remember past transfer sagas that ended in disappointment, and while there’s hope, many are waiting for something official before celebrating.
“Osimhen would be a dream signing,” wrote one supporter on Twitter. “But until I see him holding the scarf, I won’t believe it.”
A Defining Week Ahead
If Küçük’s sources are correct, the coming days could prove pivotal. Whether the deal is completed by Friday or stretched into next week, the sense is that Galatasaray is in deep discussions — and pushing hard. They may be trying to act before rival clubs make formal bids or before Napoli receives an offer they can’t refuse.
Club president Dursun Özbek and the sporting directorate have kept a tight lid on specific details, but the strategy appears clear: make a splash, strengthen the squad significantly, and show that Galatasaray is ready to compete at the highest level again.
In Conclusion
Ali Naci Küçük’s latest comments underscore the intrigue and intensity of the Osimhen transfer saga. Galatasaray is clearly chasing a blockbuster signing — and they’re doing so with urgency. Yet in the world of football transfers, nothing is guaranteed until the ink is dry.
Fans, pundits, and the entire footballing world will be watching closely. Whether or not Osimhen ends up in Istanbul, this pursuit already signals a bold, ambitious chapter in Galatasaray’s modern history.
As Küçük aptly put it, “It might be finalized by Friday, or it might not.” But one thing is certain: Galatasaray is dreaming big — and they’re not afraid to chase those dreams.
