Osimhen Returns to Training with Galatasaray After Completing Record-Breaking Permanent Move
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has officially resumed training with Galatasaray following the completion of his permanent transfer from Napoli, which represents an important advancement in one of the most high-profile moves of the summer transfer window. The Turkish Süper Lig champions confirmed the deal on Thursday, August 1, bringing to a close weeks of speculation over the player’s future.
The transfer, valued at approximately €75 million, sets a new record in Turkish football for the highest-ever fee paid for a player. Osimhen, who previously spent the 2024–25 season on loan at the Istanbul-based club, impressed with a prolific campaign that included 37 goals in all competitions and helped secure a domestic double for Galatasaray. The new agreement sees the 26-year-old forward sign a four-year contract with the club, tying him to the Turkish giants until the summer of 2029.
Osimhen's arrival at Galatasaray's training grounds on Friday morning was met with considerable fanfare. The striker took part in a full training session with the rest of the squad, beginning his integration into the team’s preseason preparations. Club officials noted that the player had already undergone medical evaluations prior to the signing of his contract earlier in the week.
According to reports published by Daily Post Nigeria on August 1, the deal includes performance-based incentives and a clause prohibiting a return to Serie A within the next two seasons. Napoli is also understood to retain a 10 percent sell-on clause should Galatasaray profit from any future transfer involving the striker. Osimhen was reportedly courted by several clubs in Saudi Arabia, most notably Al Hilal, but opted to continue with Galatasaray after a successful loan spell that elevated his popularity in Turkey and across Europe.
Galatasaray’s record investment in the Super Eagles star represents a bold statement of intent as the club prepares for UEFA Champions League competition this season. The striker’s return is seen as a major boost to head coach Okan Buruk’s ambitions, especially given the club’s aspirations to make a deeper run in Europe than in previous years. Osimhen’s combination of speed, power, and finishing ability is expected to be central to Galatasaray’s attacking play for the foreseeable future.
In addition to the financial impact, Osimhen’s permanent signing has galvanized the club’s fan base, with supporters gathering in large numbers at Istanbul Airport on Thursday to welcome the player back to Turkey. Footage of his arrival and subsequent introduction at the club’s training ground circulated widely across social media platforms, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the high-profile acquisition.
The player, who has remained silent on his future throughout the summer, briefly addressed the press after training, expressing satisfaction at making his stay in Istanbul permanent. "I’m happy to be here again," Osimhen stated. "This club has shown me love and belief, and I’m ready to give everything for the fans and for this team."
With the permanent transfer now finalized, Galatasaray’s preparations for the upcoming Süper Lig campaign are expected to accelerate, with Osimhen at the forefront of the club’s domestic and continental ambitions. His debut as a fully contracted player could come as early as next weekend when Galatasaray faces Konyaspor in their season opener.
The record-breaking transfer underscores Galatasaray's willingness to challenge Europe’s elite and signals a renewed era of ambition for Turkish football. As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen to replicate—and possibly exceed—the heights he reached during his sensational loan spell.
