Victor Osimhen was once again the headline topic of African football transfer stories in recent weeks. Still, this summer’s saga took an interesting turn when Galatasaray issued what amounted to a blunt rebuke of Al-Hilal’s latest offer. Osimhen is not for sale
The Turkish champions flatly rejected a verbal €130 million offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal this week, according to Turkish journalist Emre Şahiner. That staggering figure was apparently conveyed verbally through an intermediary rather than in an official bid. And while Al-Hilal wanted to discuss, Galatasaray want nothing of it — at least for now.
Welcome to the Osimhen transfer saga. Should a deal eventually materialize, it would likely represent the biggest ever involving an African player. For now, though, a €130 million deal from Saudi Arabia has been put on hold from Turkey’s champions.
Galatasaray Believe Price Doesn’t Match Ambition
Let’s start with the €130 million, because it deserves context. Galatasaray purchased Osimhen permanently from Napoli last summer for €75 million — a Turkish record at the time — and he has since established himself as the engine of their attack. The Nigerian scored 22 league goals during his sensational debut season in Turkey and played a starring role as Galatasaray won their seventh Süper Lig title.
They also credited him with eight assists in all competitions this season, per earlier reports, in 33 matches. You don’t reject €130 million because you don’t like the player. Galatasaray see Osimhen as foundational to their sporting ambitions.
Al-Hilal Move: It Remains Stubbornly Packed
Al-Hilal making another run at Osimhen shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Saudi club, pundits, and cricket, as well as the oddsmakers at the full Nigerian betting sites list on BettingTop10 have tracked Osimhen since before he completed his move to Galatasaray last summer. This is the third reported move they have made since the league season ended. Just another twist in a story that somehow manages to keep getting stranger.
Al-Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season, two points behind champions Al Nassr, and are determined to add quality to their attack this summer. Osimhen would be a marquee signing. The Saudi club knows he checks all of the boxes: a proven center-forward entering the prime of his career with Champions League experience and an extensive track record in Europe’s top-five leagues.
That he’s Nigerian is surely a bonus. As for Galatasaray, they’ve told their players to pack their bags — for now.
Osimhen Would be the Most Expensive African Player Ever
Osimhen has 59 goals in 74 matches for Galatasaray, per earlier reporting. That’s not a record he’ll retain for much longer if he stays put, but you get the idea. Before this saga blew up, Osimhen was tearing up Turkey for one of the continent’s most ambitious clubs.
Galatasaray haven’t hidden their plans, either. They want to win championships in Turkey. They want to make a habit of progressing past the group stage of the Champions League. Osimhen is critical to those plans, which explains why they’re willing to risk turning down what would’ve been a €55 million-plus profit on their transfer investment from last summer.
Arsenal Want in on the Conversation
Al-Hilal may have made headlines this week, but they aren’t the only ones who want a crack at signing Osimhen. According to Turkish journalist Emre Şahiner, Arsenal held a meeting with Galatasaray this week. Osimhen’s name was mentioned alongside Arsenal players Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal are now in the mix. At least, according to one report. Arsenal, Man Utd, Atlético Madrid and more have all been credited with an interest in Osimhen at various points. As we outlined earlier this summer, Atlético supposedly offered €120 million before ultimately withdrawing their offer.
Galatasaray remain steadfast in their refusal to sell. The question is whether that changes if more cash starts flowing in. Premier League clubs are already watching closely. They might not be alone for much longer.
Africa’s Finest Are Keeping Tabs
Osimhen isn’t the only Nigerian who plays in Turkey, of course. All eyes will be on Villarreal captain Michael Edward most notably, who returns to Süper Lig side Besiktas this summer after winning La Liga. Cameron, according to an earlier report from Metro, while Nathan Awazi-Akideh signed for Kasimpasa on transfer deadline day. The Osimhen saga has captured the attention of the African football world for a reason. Whether it ends with a bang or a whimper remains to be seen.
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