Galatasary have rejected a €125 million bid for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, reaffirming their determination to retain the Nigerian forward despite mounting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Turkish champions turned down the offer, reported by Forza Cimbom, as they continue to resist attempts to lure the prolific striker away from Istanbul. The club had also previously rejected a €120 million proposal from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
Despite strong interest from Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray have made it clear that they are unwilling to entertain any offer below their valuation of the 27-year-old striker.
The Istanbul giants believe their asking price is justified by Osimhen’s remarkable impact since arriving at the club.
The former Napoli forward has scored an impressive 59 goals in 74 appearances for Galatasaray, underlining his status as one of the most lethal strikers in European football.
This season alone, Osimhen has registered 15 league goals and five assists in 22 matches, while also contributing seven goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League appearances before Galatasaray were eliminated by Liverpool in the Round of 16.
Galatasaray’s determination to keep the Nigerian international has been strengthened further by the anticipated departure of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, whose contract is due to expire at the end of June.
Club officials are understood to believe that losing both Icardi and Osimhen during the same transfer window would significantly weaken their attacking options as they seek to maintain their dominance in the Turkish Süper Lig and mount a stronger challenge in European competitions next season.
In a bid to convince Osimhen to remain at the club, Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to hand him both the captain’s armband and the iconic No. 9 jersey, currently worn by Icardi.
The move is part of a broader retention strategy aimed at giving the Nigerian striker a deeper emotional and symbolic connection to the club’s future.
According to previous reports by PUNCH Sports Extra, club executives believe that the opportunities for leadership and status being offered to Osimhen may not be immediately available at clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea, where established dressing-room hierarchies already exist.
Osimhen himself has repeatedly spoken positively about his experience in Istanbul and has openly expressed his desire to continue with the club.
However, with sustained interest from some of Europe’s biggest spenders, speculation surrounding the striker’s future is expected to continue throughout the summer transfer window.
For now, Galatasaray’s position remains clear: Victor Osimhen is central to their plans, and any club hoping to sign him will have to meet a valuation the Turkish champions believe reflects his immense quality and influence. (The PUNCH)
