According to Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, Victor Osimhen was determined to leave Napoli because the Turkish club`s supporters showed him a level of affection he had never experienced before.
The Nigerian striker is on the verge of finalizing a permanent €75 million transfer to Galatasaray after the clubs agreed on payment terms and financial guarantees. This follows Osimhen`s successful loan spell in Istanbul last season, where he scored an impressive 37 goals and provided 8 assists in 41 matches across all competitions.
Buruk told Tivibu Spor: “The transfer will be completed very soon. I believe it will be finalized as quickly as possible.” He added, “Galatasaray fans gave Osimhen a kind of love he had never experienced before. That`s why I always believed he would stay. He hasn`t disappointed us either.”
Despite more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, which Napoli preferred due to immediate payment, Osimhen was resolute in his desire to remain in Istanbul. Buruk emphasized the crucial role played by the fans in securing the deal: “Everyone put in tremendous effort to make this happen, starting with our President, but the fans played the most important part. They made Osimhen experience something special.”
The coach drew parallels with Mauro Icardi`s transfer, suggesting a similar fan-driven outcome. Osimhen`s journey from being warmly welcomed at Napoli, where he became a hero after helping the club win their first Serie A title in over 30 years, to seeking a move away highlights the impact of the Galatasaray supporters` affection.
Despite agreeing to a new €10 million per season contract with Napoli, Osimhen expressed his desire to move on. However, with no clubs willing to meet his €110 million release clause, the loan move to Galatasaray in September 2024 provided an opportunity to avoid potentially sitting on the sidelines for at least six months.