Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu has revealed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen turned down significantly more lucrative deals to complete his permanent €75 million transfer to the Turkish club.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Kavukcu described Osimhen’s financial sacrifice as extraordinary. “The amount Victor gave up to come here is truly enormous. No other player would make such a sacrifice,” he stated.
The 26-year-old rejected a reported €40 million per year offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, opting instead for Galatasaray where he will earn €15 million annually. Juventus had also shown strong interest in the Super Eagles star.
Kavukcu expressed pride in securing the record signing without compromising the club’s financial stability. “We’ve signed Victor without creating future debt. This deal actually strengthens our financial position,” he explained. The transfer fee makes Osimhen the most expensive player in Turkish football history.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances during his loan spell last season, said emotional connections influenced his decision. “This is where I can express myself fully. I came because I love this place,” the striker told Galatasaray’s media channels.
Thousands of fans welcomed Osimhen at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport this week, recreating the passionate scenes that marked his initial loan arrival. The Nigerian international acknowledged their role in his decision, calling Galatasaray “my home now.”
The former Napoli forward leaves Italy after scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances, including a Serie A title-winning campaign in 2022/23 where he finished as top scorer. His commitment to Galatasaray despite bigger financial offers elsewhere underscores his bond with the Turkish champions.
