Not even for €150m: Dursun Ozbek's Osimhen verdict

The uncertainty surrounding the future of Galatasaray's star striker has come to an end with a clear statement from the very top of the club. In an exclusive interview with Sabah, president Dursun Ozbek gave a decisive response regarding Victor Osimhen, whose name has frequently been linked in the press with clubs such as PSG, Barcelona, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea: "It's natural for any successful player at Galatasaray to catch the attention of Europe's top clubs. That shows our club is doing things right. But our priority is Galatasaray's interest. Osimhen is a world-class player and he's happy here. We have no intention of selling Osimhen."

This resolve is not a one-off remark. In an earlier interview with HT Spor, the president had struck a similar tone, rejecting a reported €125 million offer scenario relayed by agents close to the club with the words: "Victor Osimhen is not for sale; we won't sell him unless he wants to leave." In another interview with Fotomac, he closed the subject entirely by responding to even a hypothetical €150 million offer with: "We didn't sign Osimhen to sell him!"

The player's transfer history helps explain this determination. Signed from Napoli last season for a €75 million release clause — partly covered by the club's own company — the 27-year-old Nigerian striker is under contract until June 30, 2029. Producing 22 goals and 8 assists in 33 official matches for Galatasaray last season, Osimhen played a starring role in the club's fourth consecutive championship.

According to Ozbek, the player is reported to be very happy in Istanbul and at Galatasaray and wants to lead the team's Champions League charge. Following the departure of Mauro Icardi, whose contract expired at the end of last season, Osimhen remaining in the squad forms the backbone of Galatasaray's attack for next season.

Source: Sabah
Image: NTV Spor