In December 2025, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen received the prestigious Sportsman of the Year award at the GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards. Hence, this accolade recognised his exceptional contributions to Galatasaray during the 2024–25 season, making it the 2nd time he would be earning the award.
“I can never forget my Galatasaray family. This award means a lot to me and my family. I appreciate everyone who has supported me so far. I will keep doing my best for Galatasaray and for the fans around the world.”- Victor Osimhen.
Record-Breaking Performance
Osimhen’s performance was outstanding and even more impressive. He scored 37 goals and provided seven assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. His efforts led Galatasaray to secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. Moreover, these feats have endeared him to the hearts of the fans and management of the club.
Historic Transfer to Galatasaray
In July 2025, Galatasaray made history by signing Osimhen from Napoli for €75 million, the highest transfer fee in Turkish football at that time. Osimhen had previously spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Galatasaray, where he impressed with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances, helping the club to their 25th Turkish league title.
Continued Success
Osimhen’s impact continued into the 2025–26 season, where his goalscoring prowess became even more evident. He scored 11 goals in 14 appearances, including six in the Champions League. His performance further solidified his reputation as one of the top strikers in European football.
Recognition and Legacy
Osimhen’s achievements have solidified his legacy in Turkish football. He became the first Nigerian to win the GQ Türkiye Sportsman of the Year award, highlighting his significant influence on the sport. His success has also inspired many young African players to pursue careers in European football.
Impact on Galatasaray
Osimhen’s arrival at Galatasaray marked a new era for the club, especially during a period when the league was in crisis. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. The club’s management and fans have expressed immense gratitude for his contributions.
Clubs Eyeing Osimhen
As of December 2025, several top European football clubs have shown interest in signing Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently playing for Galatasaray. Osimhen’s impressive performances have attracted attention from major teams seeking to bolster their attacking options.
Manchester United
Manchester United has been actively pursuing Osimhen. Reports indicate that the club is in discussions to trigger his €75 million release clause. United views Osimhen as a key addition to strengthen their forward line.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
PSG has also expressed interest in Osimhen. The French club is reportedly monitoring his situation closely, considering him a potential target for their attacking needs.
Barcelona
Barcelona has been linked with Osimhen as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified that, despite Barcelona’s interest in strengthening their attack, there have been no negotiations with Osimhen at this time.
Chelsea
Chelsea has shown interest in Osimhen, with former player Florent Malouda advising the club to invest in the striker to enhance their squad. However, previous negotiations have faced challenges due to Osimhen’s wage demands and transfer fee.
Al-Hilal
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal made a substantial offer to Osimhen, reportedly offering a €50 million per season contract with a transfer fee around €60-65 million. However, Osimhen has firmly rejected the move, preferring to stay in Europe and compete at the highest level.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray appears promising, and he seems to be gaining a new fan by the day. His consistent performances have attracted attention from top European clubs, but he has expressed a desire to continue his journey with Galatasaray. The club is keen to build around his talents to achieve further success in domestic and European competitions.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s journey from Napoli to Galatasaray has been marked by remarkable achievements. His record-breaking performances and the recent Sportsman of the Year award underscore his impact on Turkish football. As he continues to excel, Osimhen remains a pivotal figure in Galatasaray’s quest for glory. However, Osimhen’s future remains a topic of speculation, with his next move likely to be influenced by ongoing negotiations and his personal career aspirations.
