Osimhen sets Turkish transfer record, €70m above second

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has become the most valuable player to ever join the Turkish Super Lig, with a market value of €100 million, making him €70 million more valuable than second-placed Nicolò Zaniolo, according to Punch Sports Extra.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli last summer after moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia fell through, has consistently proven his worth. He has scored 19 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish side.
Data from Transfermarkt shows that Osimhen’s €100 million valuation far surpasses that of Zaniolo, who was valued at €30 million when he moved from Roma to Galatasaray in February 2023.
The 2023 CAF African Player of the Year tops a prestigious list that also includes Zaniolo (€30m), Jean Michael Seri (€25m), Steven Nzonzi (€23m), Tanguy Ndombele (€22m), Sofyan Amrabat (€22m), Mauro Icardi (€22m), Wilfried Zaha (€22m), and former Manchester United midfielder Fred (€20m).
Meanwhile, Osimhen could be in line for another big move this summer. Both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made verbal offers for the Nigerian striker. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu revealed that both clubs have agreed with Napoli to activate Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, which will become available when the summer transfer window opens.
“Victor Osimhen is about to sign a deal with a world-renowned management company. In fact, a Real Madrid player is helping facilitate these discussions. This significantly reduces the chances of him staying at Galatasaray beyond June. Both PSG and Manchester United have made verbal offers regarding salary and contract length,” Sabuncuoglu told Haber Sari Kirmizi.
“Since both clubs are willing to meet Napoli’s release clause, it will be incredibly difficult for Galatasaray to compete. A summer move looks almost certain.”
The latest development comes as Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reportedly identifies Victor Osimhen as his top target to address the club’s striking concerns. With current forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, Osimhen has emerged as the solution. United’s football department, led by Jason Wilcox, is exploring different options, including a potential player-exchange deal, although Napoli prefers a straightforward cash offer.
Osimhen’s rise to becoming Turkey’s most valuable import started after a failed permanent transfer last summer, when his €130 million release clause proved too high for interested parties like Chelsea and Saudi clubs. His subsequent loan move to Galatasaray raised eyebrows across Europe, but the 25-year-old has justified the Turkish club’s faith with outstanding performances.
His impact was immediate and significant, playing a key role in propelling Galatasaray to the top of the Super Lig, while also helping the club progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League. However, they now face a tough challenge after a 4-1 first-leg loss to AZ Alkmaar during Osimhen’s absence.
Osimhen’s success in Turkey adds another impressive chapter to his European football journey, following his contribution to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/23 season. That campaign saw him score 26 league goals to claim the Capocannoniere as Serie A’s top scorer, making history as the first African player to achieve this feat.
Galatasaray’s dominance in the Turkish transfer market is evident, with eight of their deals featuring in the top 10 most valuable transfers to the Super Lig. Only Fenerbahce, with Fred and Amrabat, has managed to break the Istanbul giants’ hold on big-money moves. The only player from outside Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the top 15 is Miralem Pjanic, who joined Besiktas from Barcelona in 2021.
Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in Osimhen is driven by the need to replace Randal Kolo Muani, who was loaned to Juventus. Despite performing well in Ligue 1 without a natural striker, PSG sees Osimhen as an ideal addition to their attack. In January, Galatasaray made an attempt to secure a permanent deal with a €65 million bid to Napoli, but the Serie A club rejected the offer, holding firm on the €75 million release clause that becomes active this summer.
The Super Eagles striker’s next move could significantly impact his career trajectory, with both Manchester United and PSG offering different sporting projects. While PSG can promise Champions League football and domestic success, the opportunity to spearhead United’s revival under Amorim could be equally tempting.
Osimhen’s form has remained consistent amid the transfer speculation, maintaining the ruthless efficiency that saw him finish eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting. His blend of physical presence, relentless pressing, and exceptional speed continues to make him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. As the summer transfer window nears, all eyes will be on his next destination, but for now, Osimhen remains focused on helping Galatasaray maintain their impressive form in both domestic and European competitions.