Victor Osimhen has arrived in Istanbul to a hero`s welcome, with thousands of Galatasaray supporters gathering at the airport to greet him. The Nigerian striker is set to complete his permanent move from Napoli, following a successful loan spell with the Turkish club last season.
The transfer, valued at €75 million, will see Napoli receive €40 million upfront, with the remaining €35 million to be paid by the end of 2026. Osimhen is scheduled to undergo a medical examination and sign his contract on Thursday.
The enthusiasm for Osimhen`s return was evident not only at the airport but also online, where thousands of fans tuned into Galatasaray`s YouTube channel to track his flight to Istanbul in real-time.
Osimhen`s First Words Upon Arrival
Visibly moved by the reception, Osimhen led the fans in a chant before giving a brief interview to the press at the airport terminal. He expressed his joy at returning to Istanbul, saying:
“It`s incredible to be back. The crowd, the people tracking the flight – it`s overwhelming. This is where I want to be. I`m happy to return to a place that feels like home for me, my family, and my friends.”
The 26-year-old striker also took the opportunity to thank the Galatasaray management, including the club president, vice-president, and coach Okan Buruk, for facilitating his return. He added:
“I`m grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially the fans who have shown so much support. I`m thrilled to continue my journey with Galatasaray.”
With his permanent transfer nearing completion, Osimhen`s return to Galatasaray marks an exciting new chapter for both the player and the club, as they look to build on their success from the previous season.