Victor Osimhen is expected to touch down in Istanbul this week as Galatasaray finalizes his highly anticipated €75 million switch from Napoli.
Excitement is peaking among Galatasaray supporters, with club officials putting finishing touches on the deal to present the Nigerian international. According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the club’s vice president, Abdullah Kavukcu, is scheduled to visit Italy today (Tuesday) or tomorrow to complete negotiations and potentially return with the striker.
The club is reportedly planning to unveil Osimhen during their home clash against Lazio on Saturday, August 2. An agreement has already been reached with both Napoli and the player’s management team.
Galatasaray will pay Napoli €75 million, structured as €40 million up front and the remaining €35 million to be paid in instalments by the end of 2026. Osimhen is set to earn an impressive €16 million annually at his new club.
In what would be a huge boost for Galatasaray’s frontline, Osimhen is coming off a stellar season, during which he featured in 41 matches, netting 37 goals and assisting eight times.
In a recent interview posted to a Nigerian YouTube channel, Osimhen opened up about his humble beginnings in Lagos. The striker shared emotional reflections on growing up with his parents and six siblings in a one-room apartment.
“We were nine people in one room,” Osimhen recalled. “People who know me will tell you, I was destined for greatness, with or without football. But it wasn’t easy. The environment I grew up in didn’t make it easy to dream.”
He spoke of childhood friends with similar aspirations who were forced to give up football when their local pitch was closed. Determined not to suffer the same fate, Osimhen said he trained wherever he could, often outside his neighborhood.
“At one point, I had to stop playing just to survive,” he admitted. “I did menial jobs like fetching water, but deep down, I knew I belonged on the pitch.”
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Osimhen said these early life struggles taught him resilience and shaped his determination. “Where I come from, nothing is handed to you. You have to work for everything,” he said.
Despite his rise to international fame, the 26-year-old has not hidden the downside of celebrity life. In a conversation shared via Instablog on X (formerly Twitter), Osimhen confessed that fame has taken away parts of his freedom.
“Fame can be a burden,” he said. “There are things I want to do, simple things, but I can’t, because of who I am now.”
He shared a heartfelt moment, recalling how he missed his daughter’s first public outing due to the overwhelming fan presence.
Still, Osimhen revealed he finds comfort among everyday people, even if he’s surrounded by bodyguards.
“As long as I’m protected, I want to be among regular people,” he said. “That’s where I’m happiest. This is my life, and I want to live it on my terms.”
His arrival in Turkey is now eagerly awaited, not only for his on-pitch impact but also for the personal journey he brings with him.
