"I Was Going to Pay" – Former Fenerbahçe Chief Explains Why He Was Blocked from Signing Victor Osimhen Last Year

Former Fenerbahçe board member Hakan Safi has said he was determined to sign Victor Osimhen last summer, but could not secure the necessary support from the club’s leadership, Afrik‑Foot reports.

Osimhen arrived in Turkey two years ago and has since made a massive impact.

During his initial loan spell, the 27‑year‑old Super Eagles striker established himself as the premier player in the Süper Lig, leading his club to a historic domestic double of the league title and the Turkish Cup.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. Copyright: ImagoxSeskimphotox

Last summer, speculation about his future intensified as he was linked to several European heavyweights, including Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Although rumours circulated that Fenerbahçe were in the mix, talks of a permanent stay with Galatasaray dominated the headlines—a move the Nigerian forward eventually finalized.

That decision has proven to be the right one, as Osimhen is just coming off a stellar campaign for the Cimbom. The striker registered 22 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Galatasaray in the just‑concluded season.

Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

His contributions proved crucial in the final stretch of the campaign, including an important goal in the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe and the match‑winner against Antalyaspor that ultimately sealed the league title.

How Fenerbahçe Refused To Sign Victor Osimhen

Following the loss of the Süper Lig title to arch‑rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe has been thrown into controversy, with the club’s recent transfer dealings coming under heavy scrutiny.

Recent reports even emerged detailing how the club narrowly missed out on signing Ademola Lookman due to administrative delays.

Adding to the frustration, Safi has now shed light on the internal resistance that blocked a potential swoop for Osimhen.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray A.S. (Photo by Imago)

“I was ready to sign Osimhen,” Safi stated, per Galatasaray Gazetesi. “Galatasaray split his transfer fee into four installments, but I was prepared to pay that entire amount in one go.

However, the Fenerbahçe management at the time didn’t want the deal. I was even prepared to offer him a net salary of €26 million.”

Unfortunately for Fenerbahçe, securing the forward now seems a near‑impossible task given his settled status and success with their rivals. For Osimhen, the focus remains on maintaining his prolific goalscoring form and collecting more silverware with the Cimbom.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer