Galatasaray Struggles to Sell Star Striker Victor Osimhen

High price tag and limited market options make it difficult for Turkish club to offload the Nigerian international

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:34am

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Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli for €75 million in 2025, but a year later his market value remains stagnant around that figure. According to Transfermarkt's Turkey expert Lara Karacan, Osimhen's high profile and salary demands limit the number of clubs that can afford him, while a clause in the transfer deal prevents Galatasaray from selling him back to Serie A. With the Premier League seemingly the only viable destination, Galatasaray may struggle to find a buyer willing to meet their €100 million asking price for the striker.

Why it matters

Osimhen's situation highlights the challenges clubs can face when trying to offload high-profile players with inflated values and salaries. Galatasaray invested heavily in the Nigerian striker, but his market appeal appears limited, potentially leaving them stuck with an asset they are unable to sell for a reasonable price.

The details

Osimhen has performed respectably for Galatasaray, scoring 11 goals in 18 Süper Lig matches and featuring in the Champions League. However, Karacan notes that his numbers alone are not enough to drive significant interest, as he has failed to deliver defining performances against elite opposition. With a clause preventing a sale to Serie A clubs, and Premier League teams seemingly unwilling to meet Galatasaray's €100 million valuation, the Turkish club faces a narrow path to offloading the striker this summer.

  • Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli for €75 million in 2025.
  • The transfer clause preventing a sale to Serie A clubs is in effect for at least the next two seasons.

The players

Victor Osimhen

A Nigerian international striker who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in 2025 for a €75 million fee.

Lara Karacan

Transfermarkt's area manager for Turkey and international content lead, who provided analysis on Osimhen's situation.

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What they’re saying

“Osimhen is a brand. He is not only a player - he is a figure in football.”

— Lara Karacan, Transfermarkt's area manager for Turkey and international content lead (Transfermarkt)

“I think the only league that can afford that is the Premier League. And there were literally no rumours.”

— Lara Karacan, Transfermarkt's area manager for Turkey and international content lead (Transfermarkt)

What’s next

Galatasaray will need to determine if they can find a Premier League club willing to meet their €100 million valuation for Osimhen, or if they will be forced to lower their asking price to facilitate a sale.

The takeaway

Osimhen's high profile and salary demands have made it challenging for Galatasaray to find a suitable buyer, highlighting the difficulties clubs can face when trying to offload expensive assets with limited market appeal. This situation underscores the need for clubs to carefully manage player acquisitions and valuations to avoid being stuck with players they cannot easily sell.