Victor Osimhen is expected to headline one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, but a surprise approach from Fenerbahçe, though summarily dismissed, could add a twist to his future.
Currently on loan from Napoli, the Nigeria international has been in electric form for Galatasaray, scoring 29 goals and adding six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. His impact has kept Gala top of the Turkish Süper Lig and within reach of a domestic double.
Naturally, Galatasaray are keen to make the deal permanent. However, they will have to fend off growing interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United
Perhaps the most intriguing development came from within Turkey. In a stunning twist, Fenerbahce made an audacious attempt to lure the 26-year-old away from arch-rivals Galatasaray.
The move, reportedly fronted by a top agent and backed by Jose Mourinho, was immediately rejected.
“Fenerbahçe involved a big agent to try and convince Victor Osimhen, but all approaches were immediately rebuffed. It is impossible. There are bigger, better clubs interested. Decision will be made at the end of the season,” journalist Onokala Onyebuchi, also known as “Buchi Laba”, posted on social media.
What are Victor Osimhen's realistic transfer options?
With Osimhen’s €75 million release clause set to become active for clubs outside Italy, and Napoli open to selling, the striker’s next move is likely to be one of the biggest stories of the summer.
At present, his realistic options, in light of his wage demands, appear to lie between staying in Turkey or taking a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi route would be a clear financial play. But staying in Turkey presents its own challenges. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has guided the team to success, but his limitations as a tactician, as well as the overall level of football in the Super Lig, would kill any hope of further development for Osimhen.
By contrast, Mourinho, who has long admired the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, could offer something more substantial.
Mourinho, Drogba, and the Special One's wish
“Osimhen is a fantastic player,” Mourinho said in 2023. “He is a player that if I was in a club with the potential to pay £70-75m I would buy.”
The Portuguese manager has not publicly courted a striker this openly since Didier Drogba, Osimhen’s idol. Mourinho famously convinced Roman Abramovich to sign Drogba from Marseille in 2004, stating, “Pay and don't speak.” The rest was history.
Osimhen, who has often spoken of his admiration for Drogba, now finds himself at a similar career juncture. He turns 27 later this year, and this summer could shape the trajectory of his prime years.
Joining Mourinho at Fenerbahce would be a massive gamble. Crossing the Istanbul divide would paint him as a traitor among Galatasaray supporters, particularly after scoring against Fener in the Turkish Cup. But it could also be the right move for a player looking to elevate his game under one of football’s great managers.
Didier Drogba with Victor Osimhen after Nigeria 🇳🇬 win over Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
Osimhen has spoken about how much he admires Drogba. And Drogba been very complimentary of Osimhen 🤝
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) January 18, 2024
Osimhen knows firsthand how quickly fan adoration can turn; if the manner in which his time at Napoli ended taught him anything, it is that a professional footballer should always look out for own interest first.
The Super Eagles forward would not be the first player to cross the divide either. Emre Belözoğlu, Mehmet Topal, and Michy Batshuayi have all crossed the Istanbul divide in the past.
A trophyless season looms for Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, who sit three points behind Gala in the Super Lig and are out of the Turkish Cup. Signing Osimhen would be a statement of intent and a power shift.
The ball is now in Osimhen’s court. If he stays in Turkey, he can work with Mourinho and fulfil his potential, or remain at Galatasaray under Okan Buruk and potentially stagnate.
Either way, his next decision will define the next chapter of a career already packed with goals, noise, and ambition.
