Turkey: Galatasaray Chief Says “We Can’t Repeat Osimhen’s Transfer”

Former Galatasaray vice‑president Abdurrahim Albayrak said that repeating the club’s record‑setting signing of Victor Osimhen would be difficult, even as the Turkish giants aim to compete at the top of European football.

After guiding Galatasaray to a domestic double in the 2024‑25 season, the Lions completed the largest transfer in Turkish football history by signing the former African Footballer of the Year on a permanent basis in July 2025.

The move came despite strong interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and several teams in Europe’s top five leagues.

Osimhen ended his stint with Napoli last summer when Galatasaray triggered his release clause of 75 million euros (about N119 billion in Nigerian currency).

Speaking about the club’s transfer policy and long‑term ambitions, Albayrak reflected on the impact Osimhen had after his arrival.

He told NTV, as reported by Ajansspor, “It is in the hearts of all Galatasaray fans, but to be realistic, the teams we are facing are very strong.”

“We signed Osimhen and paid 75 million euros. The entire world press was buzzing about it. He contributed a lot to Galatasaray. Paying 75 million euros a second or third time is very difficult right now.”

The former club executive acknowledged the financial challenges of acquiring players of Osimhen’s calibre.

He added, “Galatasaray will certainly make good transfers. The dream of every Galatasaray management is to win the Champions League.”

“God willing, just as He granted us the UEFA Cup, He will also grant us the Champions League.”

Although Osimhen has three years left on his contract with Galatasaray, he has been linked with a summer exit, with European powerhouses Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint‑Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal reportedly interested in signing him.