Osimhen gave up ‘enormous’ salary to join Galatasaray from Napoli | OneFootball

Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu says Victor Osimhen gave up ‘enormous’ offers to return to the club on a permanent transfer: ‘This is an incredible source of pride.’

Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu says Osimhen gave up big-money offers to return to Istanbul after a one-season loan spell at the club.

Galatasaray and Napoli confirmed Osimhen’s permanent transfer in a €75m deal on Thursday.

Galatasaray ‘showed our strength’ in Osimhen negotiations

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 14: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Rizespor at Rams Park Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

“We have never compromised our position, and we have shown our strength,” Kavukcu told Turkish media, via TMW, during a press conference on Friday.

“Thank God, we have signed Victor without creating debt for the future. This is an incredible source of pride for us all. On the contrary, we have registered Victor’s contract as capital in Galtasaray’s coffers.

“Think about it: it’s hard to express just how much, but the amount Victor gave up to come here is truly enormous. He gave up a sum no other player would ever give up, and we are happy to have him.”

Osimhen rejected €30m salary offer from Al-Hilal

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Juventus and Al-Hilal had been in talks with Osimhen’s entourage before his permanent move to Galatasaray.

Back in June, the Nigeria international rejected a €30m-a-year contract offer from the Saudi side, coached by Simone Inzaghi. According to several sources, however, Osimhen would still earn €15m per season at Galatasaray, plus add-ons.

Napoli forward and Serie A star Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first Leg football match between Napoli and Barcelona at the Diego-Armando-Maradona stadium in Naples on February 21, 2024. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Osimhen scored 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions while on loan at Galatasaray in 2024-25.

The Nigerian star thanked Napoli on social media after his permanent move to Galatasaray was announced yesterday. The 26-year-old scored 76 goals in 133 appearances with the Partenopei, contributing to the 2022-23 Serie A title as the best scorer in the league.