Victor Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray is hanging in the balance as the Nigerian striker has made it clear that he is open to staying at the club on the condition that his massive salary demands are met. After a stellar season in Istanbul, the 26-year-old has reportedly requested a five-year contract with an annual salary of €20 million, approximately KSh 2.95 billion. If agreed upon, this deal would make Osimhen the highest-paid player in Galatasaray’s history and one of the top earners in European football.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s successful campaign, where the club secured a domestic double. His contributions 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions have made him an indispensable asset and a fan favorite. His athleticism, finishing ability, and presence in the final third transformed Galatasaray’s attack, making him the central figure of their offensive play.
The proposed contract would see Osimhen earn around €380,000 per week (KSh 56.05 million), tying him to the Turkish champions until 2030. However, this financial demand significantly surpasses Galatasaray’s current wage structure and presents a considerable challenge for the club’s management. On top of the salary, Galatasaray would still need to activate the €75 million (KSh 11.06 billion) release clause payable to Napoli to make the striker’s transfer permanent.
Despite these hurdles, Galatasaray’s board is reportedly keen to retain Osimhen. The forward’s performances have not only driven the team to success on the pitch but also increased the club’s commercial appeal. The board is now exploring various avenues, including increased sponsorship deals and potential revenue from next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign, to help finance the deal.
Reports suggest that Galatasaray may be prepared to offer Osimhen an improved salary package of €15 million (KSh 2.21 billion) per year. While this figure falls short of the striker’s demand, it would still represent a record-breaking salary in the club’s history and a clear sign of their intent to build the team around him.
Meanwhile, the broader European football landscape is closely monitoring the situation. Several elite clubs had been linked with Osimhen, but his financial expectations have deterred some of the Premier League’s biggest names. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are said to have pulled out of the race, unwilling to meet both the hefty transfer fee and the striker’s wage demands.
This shift in the transfer market dynamics could provide Galatasaray with a rare window of opportunity. With competition cooling off and the player expressing a willingness to stay, the club has a chance to secure a long-term commitment from one of Europe’s most prolific forwards provided they can find a financial arrangement that aligns with both parties’ expectations.
Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his next move, whether staying in Istanbul or heading elsewhere, will be shaped not just by sporting ambitions but by the ability of clubs to meet his substantial financial requirements.
