‘Club’s symbol mirrors my life journey’ — Osimhen opens up on choosing Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen has opened up about the factors that influenced his decision to join Galatasaray at the beginning of the season. 

Osimhen moved to the Turkish club on loan from Napoli in September 2024.

The 26-year-old’s future had been in limbo for a few weeks before the transfer after his negotiations with Chelsea and Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia fell through. The striker was consequently frozen out of Napoli’s squad.

In an interview on the latest episode of ‘The Obi One Podcast’, Osimhen said it was “easy” to decide to join Galatasaray.

The striker said Okan Buruk, Galatasaray’s manager, played a “huge role” in the transfer move, adding that the similarity between Galatasaray’s lion symbol and “the way I have survived through life’s journey” also influenced his decision.

“When I spoke with the coach, he told me about the project and what the club had set for itself this season. I think we have the same mindset,” Osimhen said.

“I also watched their game because I’m very close to Dries. Even before I dreamed of coming here, I used to watch their game a lot.

‘The symbol of the club is a lion, and I think I fall into this category in terms of the way I play and how I’ve survived through life’s journey. So for me, it was quite easy to accept this club.”

Osimhen has scored 23 goals for Galatasaray since his move at the beginning of the season. He scored six goals in the Europa League before the team crashed out. He has 17 goals in the Turkey Super Lig and only Istanbul Basaksehir’s Krzysztof Piątek has more.