مدير عام كرة القدم
- Galatasaray and Napoli close to finalising Osimhen transfer
- Striker to sign a four-year deal after scoring 37 goals on loan
- Club’s focus shifts to signing a new goalkeeper
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that negotiations with Napoli for striker are moving forward positively and the deal is expected to be concluded soon, according to TRT Spor. Buruk stated that both parties are satisfied with the progress, with only minor details left to resolve. Reports indicate Galatasaray will pay €75 million (£65m/$87m) in total, including €40m (£35m/$47m) upfront and €35m (£30m/$41 m) payable by 2026. A clause prevents Osimhen from returning to الدوري الإيطالي in the next two years, with Napoli holding a 10 per cent sell-on clause. Osimhen has already given a positive response, having scored 37 goals in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray last season.
Buruk also addressed the club’s approach to reinforcing the goalkeeping position after losing long-serving shot stopper Fernando Muslera.
Securing Osimhen permanently caps a long pursuit and signals Galatasaray’s ambition in both domestic and European competition. The Nigerian forward’s prolific scoring was key in last season’s title win, and his permanent move is expected to reinforce the club’s attacking strength. The financial commitment and strategic transfer ban reflect Galatasaray’s high expectation for immediate impact. Meanwhile, the club are actively working to secure Manchester City‘s Ederson to bolster their goalkeeping ranks. Several players may exit to balance the squad and meet foreign player regulations.
Buruk stated that everything is going well regarding the Osimhen transfer, stating: “Everything regarding Osimhen is going positively. We’re nearing completion. We want it to be completed as soon as possible. The player’s side was already positive, and the talks with Napoli are also very positive. We hope it will be concluded soon. Our entire transfer situation was about Osimhen. We have a significant budget. What we can use this budget for is crucial. We’ve been waiting for that, and once this transfer is complete, we’ll have other thoughts.”
Regarding the goalkeeper transfer, Buruk said: “We are very clear about the goalkeeper issue; we will bring in a player. We have a very good goalkeeper in Gunay. Jankat also performed very well in the friendly matches. We want to add another goalkeeper to our squad and address our shortcomings. There will be positions we are considering, but we will have to let go of players. We will be considering transfers, but right now, our priorities are Osimhen and the goalkeeper.”
Osimhen is set to arrive in Istanbul for his official unveiling, signing a four-year contract. Once complete, Galatasaray will pivot to finalising a deal for a new goalkeeper, with Ederson negotiations at an advanced stage. The club will consider further adjustments to the squad and player exits to conform with league regulations. Galatasaray’s season begins on August 8, with Champions League qualifiers looming.
