Galatasaray’s ambitious pursuit of Victor Osimhen appears to be faltering as financial realities and intense competition from the Saudi Pro League threaten to end their dream of keeping the Nigerian striker beyond his current loan spell.
Despite the club’s determination and readiness to trigger Osimhen’s KSh 10.5 billion (€75 million) release clause and offer a substantial KSh 2.1 billion (€15 million) salary, they are now facing the stark challenge of matching the astronomical wages proposed by Saudi giants Al-Hilal, who are reportedly prepared to triple Galatasaray’s offer to an estimated KSh 6.3 billion (€45 million).
Galatasaray had initially secured Osimhen on a season-long loan from Napoli after the Italian club failed to finalize a permanent transfer elsewhere.
The move was widely seen as a stopgap, but Osimhen’s outstanding performances 34 goal contributions in 32 appearances have endeared him to the club and fans, prompting Galatasaray’s board to push for a full transfer.
The club’s board, led by sporting director Abdullah Kavukcu, has worked tirelessly to secure sponsorship and raise funds, reportedly amassing KSh 9.24 billion (€66 million) for the transfer, with arrangements already in place with Napoli.
However, Galatasaray’s sporting director’s recent comments to Turkish media, where he stated, “If there is no big financial difference, he will stay,” suggest a growing sense of realism about their chances against the deep pockets of Saudi clubs.
Turkish football pundit Sinan Engin interprets Kavukcu’s words as a subtle admission of defeat in the race for Osimhen, given the “wide gap in the wages” between Galatasaray and Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, respected commentator and former referee Tanju Colak has urged both Osimhen and Galatasaray to consider the sporting and financial benefits of continuing their relationship for another 1-2 years.
Colak advises Osimhen to prove himself in the UEFA Champions League before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he could command even higher wages at age 28-29.
He also encourages Galatasaray’s board to do everything possible to retain Osimhen, even if it means increasing his salary, citing the on-field impact and future resale value of the striker.
Despite these efforts, the lure of Saudi Arabia’s financial power and the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s next move mean Galatasaray’s hopes are hanging by a thread.
With the club’s sporting director hinting at the financial limitations, and Al-Hilal’s aggressive pursuit, it seems increasingly likely that Osimhen’s future may lie outside Istanbul unless Galatasaray can pull off a dramatic last-minute coup.
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