Victor Osimhen: Why Galatasaray Fans Have Deep Affection for Nigerian Star

• Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen is nearing the end of his season-long loan spell at Galatasaray
• Osimhen has raised alarm among fans with his comment after the Samsunspor game, hinting that he could leave
• A Turkish pundit has opened up on why the fans love the Nigerian forward

Victor Osimhen has won the deep affection of Galatasaray fans, despite being a loan player, and a Turkish commentator has explained why.

The fans have shown love to the Super Eagles forward since he arrived at the airport in Istanbul at midnight on September 3, 2024, to sign for their club on loan.

Osimhen has justified why top European clubs were after his signature last summer by scoring goals and leading the club to a potential Turkish league and cup double.

Why Galatasaray fans love Osimhen

The Lions are the most decorated club in Turkey, are on course for a historic third consecutive title, and Osimhen has played a huge part in this.

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Turkish commentator Serdar Ali Celiker has explained why Galatasaray fans are affectionate towards Osimhen despite his status at the club.

“Galatasaray fans have a special affection for Osimhen because they haven't seen good performances in the team,” he said, as quoted by GS Gazete.

The Super Eagles forward has been the difference maker in the team this season, as the champions have not been at their best even though they have results going their way.

As much as the Galatasaray fans want Osimhen to stay at the club next season, the management have also shown interest and are keen on encouraging the Napoli forward to sign a permanent deal.

Celiker confirmed that the player has the sole decision to stay behind this season or not and that the club will not hesitate to source for the funds.

"If Osimhen says to Galatasaray officials at the end of the season, 'I'm staying, take my transfer fee, Dursun Özbek and the management will take his transfer fee,” he said.

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“Would he say something like that? It's unlikely because he has suitors.”

Though President Ozbek wants the Super Eagles forward to stay, he believes the club would never be short of good strikers as they have in the past with Bafetimbi Gomis and Mauro Icardi, both of whom finished as top scorers in their first seasons.

Clubs interested in Victor Osimhen

Celiker noted in his comments that Victor Osimhen has suitors around Europe, which would make it difficult for him to say yes to Galatasaray.

Premier League clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in the Nigerian star, even though reports claim his salary could wade them off.

Italian giants, Juventus, are also interested in the Super Eagles forward, even though Napoli will make it difficult for them as they would not want to sell to a direct rival.

However, a report from Turkish outlet Haber Sari Kirmizi named the Old Lady as one of the clubs that Osimhen could sign for, with Barcelona the other one.

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Pundit warns Osimhen not to stay in Turkey

Legit.ng reported that a Turkish pundit told Osimhen to leave Turkey and spend his peak years in the top European leagues, even though he enjoys watching him.

Erman Toroglu warned Osimhen that a prolonged stay in Turkey would affect his game and he may eventually struggle to find top clubs in Europe to sign him.

Source: Legit.ng