Former Göztepe head coach, Yılmaz Vural, has urged Galatasaray to reconsider their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the €75 million price tag for the Napoli star is too high. Vural, while praising Osimhen’s skills, suggested that the Turkish club could achieve greater value by signing promising strikers from lower Turkish leagues.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli in September, has been in superb form, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in just ten games for the Turkish club. With his loan nearing its halfway point, Galatasaray are reportedly planning to make his move permanent by triggering his buyout clause, which is set at €75 million (£63.2 million).
However, Vural, speaking on the Telegol program via Haber Sari Kirmizi, expressed reservations about such a large investment. He acknowledged Osimhen’s abilities, including his dribbling, aerial prowess, and strong technical and physical qualities. “Victor Osimhen is a magnificent footballer. He has incredible control over aerial balls and is a real centre-forward,” Vural said. “However, 75 million Euros is really too much. Our big teams like Galatasaray should look to acquire players like Barış Alper Yılmaz and Kerem Aktürkoğlu from the lower leagues.”
Despite Vural’s comments, it is clear that Osimhen’s future remains a topic of great interest, with many clubs, including Galatasaray, keen to secure his services. Osimhen himself has kept his focus on performing well for the current season, stating that he intends to continue his efforts with Galatasaray and avoid speculation about his future.
As the Turkish club weighs its options, it remains to be seen whether they will make a formal bid for the Nigerian striker at the end of the season, or explore alternatives in the market.
The debate surrounding Osimhen’s potential move highlights the ever-increasing transfer fees in modern football, especially for high-profile players with proven records in Europe’s top leagues.
While the Turkish Super Lig’s biggest clubs, including Galatasaray, are keen to strengthen their squads, Vural’s advice to look at local talent could be a cost-effective strategy for the future.
