Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has made history by becoming the most valuable player ever to join Turkey’s Super Lig, with a market value of €100m—€70m ahead of second-placed Nicolò Zaniolo.
The Nigerian international, who moved to Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli last summer after failed transfers to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia, has certainly lived up to his enormous valuation. With 19 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, Osimhen has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s impressive campaign.
According to Transfermarkt, Osimhen’s €100m valuation far surpasses that of Zaniolo, who was worth €30m when he moved to Galatasaray from Roma in February 2023. Other notable players in the top rankings include Jean Michael Seri (€25m), Steven Nzonzi (€23m), and Sofyan Amrabat (€22m).
As Osimhen continues to shine in Turkey, reports indicate he may be on the move again this summer. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are both reportedly eager to secure the striker’s services, with both clubs said to have agreed to trigger his €75m release clause, which becomes active once the summer transfer window opens.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu revealed that negotiations are underway, with Osimhen reportedly set to sign with a world-renowned management company, helping facilitate the transfer. His move could be imminent, with both PSG and United offering verbal proposals for his salary and contract length.
Manchester United, in particular, is said to have identified Osimhen as their primary target, as they look to strengthen their attacking options following struggles from current forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Osimhen’s journey to becoming Turkey’s most valuable import began after a failed permanent transfer last summer when his €130m release clause proved too steep for potential suitors, including Chelsea and various Saudi clubs. Despite this, his loan to Galatasaray has paid off. He has been a key player, helping the team reach the top of the Super Lig and progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.
His success in Turkey follows a remarkable season at Napoli, where he led the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years, scoring 26 league goals and becoming the league’s top scorer. Osimhen made history as the first African to win the prestigious Capocannoniere Award.
Galatasaray’s dominance in the Turkish transfer market is evident, with eight of their signings ranking among the top 10 most valuable transfers to the Super Lig. Only Fenerbahce, with signings like Fred and Amrabat, has challenged Galatasaray’s monopoly on big-money moves.
PSG’s interest in Osimhen stems from their need to replace Randal Kolo Muani, who was loaned to Juventus. Despite performing well without a natural striker, the French champions see Osimhen as a perfect fit to enhance their attack.
In January, Galatasaray made a €65m bid to Napoli for a permanent deal, but the Serie A club declined, holding firm on the €75m release clause that will be activated in the summer.
Osimhen’s next move could be pivotal for his career, as both PSG and Manchester United offer different sporting prospects. While PSG can guarantee Champions League football and domestic success, the chance to lead United’s revival under manager Ruben Amorim could be an enticing challenge.
Amid the transfer speculation, Osimhen has maintained a high level of performance, ranking eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting. His combination of physical prowess, pressing ability, and speed continues to make him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers.
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Nigerian striker’s next destination. However, Osimhen remains focused on helping Galatasaray achieve success in domestic and European competitions.
