Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is still with Galatasaray. The Turkish club has turned down a €125 million bid for him. They are determined to keep the Nigerian forward despite interest from other European teams, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The offer came from Forza Cimbom and was quickly rejected by the Turkish champions. They had also turned down a €120 million offer from Atletico Madrid before this.
Manchester United, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are still chasing the 27-year-old striker. But Galatasaray is clear that they will not consider any offers below their asking price.
The club believes this price is fair because of Osimhen’s impressive performance since he joined them.
Osimhen, who previously played for Napoli, has scored 59 goals in 74 matches for Galatasaray. This season alone, he has netted 15 league goals and made five assists in 22 games. In the UEFA Champions League, he scored seven goals and provided three assists in 10 matches before the club was knocked out by Liverpool in the round of 16.
Galatasaray's decision to keep Osimhen is also influenced by the expected exit of Argentine forward Mauro Icardi. Icardi's contract ends in June. Losing both strikers at once would leave Galatasaray weak in attack. They want to keep their strong position in the Turkish Süper Lig and improve in Europe next season.
PUNCH Sports Extra earlier reported that Galatasaray wants to offer Osimhen the captain’s armband and the famous No. 9 jersey, which Icardi currently wears. This plan aims to make Osimhen feel more connected to the club’s future.
Club officials think these offers of leadership and identity might not be available to Osimhen at clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea. Those teams already have strong hierarchies in their dressing rooms.
Osimhen has often shared positive feelings about his time in Istanbul. He has shown interest in staying with the club. But the ongoing interest from major European clubs means his future will be a topic of discussion for the rest of the transfer window.
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