Galatasaray is tired of waiting for Osimhen: 'He needs to make a decision'

Victor Osimhen’s future remains one of the most talked-about topics of the transfer window, and Galatasaray are growing increasingly impatient as they await a final answer from the Nigerian striker. After a sensational loan spell in Istanbul, during which he netted 26 goals in just 30 Süper Lig appearances, Osimhen became a fan favourite and a key figure in Galatasaray’s charge to the league title. His performances were nothing short of extraordinary, combining lethal finishing with explosive pace and relentless work rate. For the fans, he was not just a loan signing he became a symbol of the club’s resurgence.

But now, with the summer transfer market in full swing and preseason preparations underway, the clock is ticking. Galatasaray's leadership, led by vice president Abdullah Kavukcu, is keen to finalise the squad as soon as possible. The Turkish giants are offering Osimhen a permanent deal and have reportedly tabled a highly competitive financial package to convince both Napoli his parent club and the player himself. However, Osimhen has yet to commit, and this indecision is beginning to cause frustration at the Türk Telekom Arena.

“Osimhen needs to make a decision as soon as possible,” Kavukcu said in an interview quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “He’s asking us for time, and we respect that he has a family and big decisions to make. But the time is running out. We’ve made a better offer than the other clubs, and we’re ready to move forward.”

While the Galatasaray vice president did not name specific competitors, sources in the transfer market suggest that Osimhen is attracting attention from several top clubs in Europe and beyond. Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Manchester United are rumoured to be monitoring the situation closely, while clubs in Saudi Arabia known for their big-money moves in recent windows are also said to be preparing offers. These financial heavyweights present a significant obstacle for Galatasaray, whose resources, while growing, are still modest compared to those of the Premier League or Saudi Pro League.

Still, Galatasaray are determined to compete. Their project is built around more than just financial incentives they’re offering Osimhen a central role in a team being constructed with serious ambition. “We’re not thinking about a Plan B we want Osimhen,” Kavukcu reiterated. “We want to build a team that can compete with clubs all over the world, not just dominate Turkish football. That starts with players like Victor.”

That ambition is already being reflected in the club’s transfer strategy. Galatasaray recently pulled off a major coup by signing German international Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich, a move that sent shockwaves through European football. The arrival of a world-class winger like Sané not only adds quality on the pitch but also signals Galatasaray’s intent to reclaim a place among the continent’s elite.

Sané’s arrival is expected to be just the beginning. Club president Dursun Özbek has reportedly green-lit an aggressive transfer strategy this summer, with the aim of building a squad capable of making deep runs in European competitions especially the UEFA Champions League. The team is also targeting reinforcements in midfield and at full-back, but Osimhen remains the centrepiece of this summer’s vision.

From the fans’ perspective, there is growing anxiety but also hope. Osimhen formed a strong bond with the supporters during his time in Istanbul, celebrating passionately after goals and expressing his admiration for the club in interviews. Many believed a permanent move was a formality until the delays began.

There are also complications on the Napoli side. The Italian club is undergoing changes following a disappointing Serie A campaign and the departure of manager Rudi Garcia. With Antonio Conte reportedly taking over, it’s unclear whether Napoli will insist on keeping Osimhen or allow him to leave for the right price. The striker himself has remained silent in recent weeks, fuelling speculation and leaving all parties in limbo.

For Galatasaray, the hope is that a final answer will come soon. With preseason training already underway and Champions League qualifiers looming, they need clarity on the striker’s future to either integrate him fully or shift their focus elsewhere though, as Kavukcu made clear, they are not interested in a Plan B.

In the words of the club’s leadership: Galatasaray is ready. The fans are ready. The team is being built. All that remains is for Victor Osimhen to decide whether he wants to be the face of a new era in Turkish and potentially European football.