European giants prepare to splash €120m on Osimhen deal

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen remains at the centre of transfer speculation, with a European club reportedly ready to submit an offer of €120m to Galatasaray for the Nigerian forward this summer, even as the Turkish champions insist they have no intention of letting him leave.

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Turkish football transfer specialist Burhan Can Terzi disclosed that the unnamed club had already communicated its readiness to meet the substantial fee to Galatasaray officials, but that the Turkish Super Lig champions did not respond favourably, signalling their desire to retain Osimhen.

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“A European club has informed Galatasaray officials that they are willing to pay a transfer fee of €120m for Osimhen. Galatasaray management did not provide a favourable response. Should Galatasaray approve negotiations, a formal offer will be submitted,” Terzi was quoted as saying.

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Osimhen, 27, enjoyed a remarkable season at Galatasaray following his permanent move to the club, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 33 matches across all competitions as the Yellow-Reds successfully defended their Super Lig title. The performances have drawn attention from several European heavyweights, with the striker variously linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, the latter reportedly eyeing him as a potential replacement should Julian Alvarez depart for Barcelona.

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Turkish football pundit Nevzat Dindar has since revealed that he spoke directly with Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek on the matter and that the club’s position is firm.

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“I spoke with the president in Kemerburgaz. He absolutely does not intend to sell Osimhen. There are offers worth €120m through intermediaries, but they are not concrete. The priority is for Osimhen to stay with the team. But if Osimhen wants to leave, Galatasaray will not accept an offer below €150m. Osimhen also has no intention of leaving,” Dindar told Milliyet.

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The confirmation that Galatasaray’s minimum asking price stands at €150m is likely to deter all but the wealthiest clubs in Europe, though interest in one of the continent’s most prolific strikers is expected to intensify as the summer transfer window progresses.

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