Galatasaray is poised to make a landmark transfer in Turkish football history by securing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli for a record-breaking fee of 75 million euros, making it the most expensive transfer ever in the Süper Lig.
This groundbreaking deal surpasses the previous record of 19.5 million euros paid by Fenerbahçe for Youssef En-Nesyri in 2024.
According to pulsesports.ng, this underscores Galatasaray’s high ambitions and their intent to aggressively compete in the UEFA Champions League.
Victor Osimhen, aged 26, has been a revelation during his loan spell at Galatasaray in the 2024-25 season.
He played 41 matches, scored an impressive 37 goals, and provided eight assists, leading manager Okan Buruk’s side to triumphs in both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.
His remarkable contribution made him an instant fan favorite, with supporters strongly advocating for his permanent signing.
The financial framework of Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray was complex and involved intense negotiations.
Napoli’s president insisted on the full release clause to be met, leading to Galatasaray agreeing to pay 40 million euros upfront.
The remaining 35 million euros will be paid in installments, reportedly by the end of 2026.
Additionally, Napoli is set to receive up to 5 million euros in performance-based bonuses linked to Osimhen’s goal-scoring milestones.
Importantly, the deal also includes a 10% sell-on clause entitling Napoli to a share of future transfer profits should Osimhen be sold for more than 75 million euros.
Another critical part of the agreement is a clause preventing Osimhen from transferring to another Serie A club until July 2027, protecting Napoli’s interests in the Italian league.
The personal terms agreed with Osimhen include a lucrative three-year contract estimated to be worth between 16 and 18 million euros annually.
It positions him among the highest-paid players in Süper Lig history.
This contract reflects both his elite status and Galatasaray’s serious commitment to securing top talent.
Galatasaray’s strategic bolstering of their squad extends beyond Osimhen’s signing.
The club also added Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, signaling a clear intent to strengthen their competitiveness not only domestically but also in European competitions.
The combined acquisitions demonstrate the club’s ambition to return to the high echelons of football prestige.
The transfer process was marked by a prolonged dialogue between the two clubs, mainly due to Napoli’s insistence on a secure payment schedule and guarantees.
Initial offers from Galatasaray started lower but escalated quickly, ultimately meeting Napoli’s demands.
The club’s approach also involved restructuring its squad to comply with the Turkish Football Federation’s foreign player quota, with several players marked for departure to balance the roster.
More than just a sporting acquisition, Osimhen’s signing is expected to generate significant commercial revenues for Galatasaray.
The club plans a high-profile unveiling event anticipated to draw a full house, boosting ticket sales and merchandise revenues by as much as 5 million euros.
This is reportedly around 7% of the transfer cost, helping the club financially manage this hefty investment.
Victor Osimhen’s career trajectory highlights his rising football stature.
Before joining Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee of 80 million euros, he impressed in Germany, Belgium, and France.
With Napoli, he won the Serie A top scorer title and helped the team secure its first league title in 33 years.
His loan to Galatasaray and now this permanent move marks a significant chapter in his career.
It also illustrates the increasing financial muscle and appeal of clubs outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues.
In conclusion, Galatasaray’s acquisition of Victor Osimhen for 75 million euros is a historic milestone for Turkish football.
This dwarfs previous records and symbolizing the club’s renewed ambition on both domestic and European stages.
The deal’s detailed financial and contractual structure protects the interests of both clubs while rewarding Osimhen generously for his proven goal-scoring prowess.
Combined with other key signings like Leroy Sané, Galatasaray’s transfer activity reflects a decisive push to reclaim their position among Europe’s elite football clubs.
The official paperwork and Osimhen’s contract signing are set to be completed imminently, marking the beginning of an exciting era for both player and club.