Turkish football journalist Kaan Bayazit has advised Galatasaray against signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen permanently despite his impressive performances, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray in a season-long loan deal during the last summer transfer window, after he was exiled from Napoli’s squad and failed to secure a move to a big club.
Since he arrived in Istanbul, he has adjusted like fish to water, and has quickly become an important member of the team.
The 25-year-old hitman has supplied six goals and four assists in eight appearances for the reigning Turkish champions. And due to Osimhen’s impressive performances, there have been talks that Galatasaray want to make the transfer permanent.
But it would be very difficult for them to pull off the deal. Napoli would demand €50 million at least, and that is more than double of the Turkish transfer record.
Meanwhile, Turkish journalist Bayazit believes it could be a financial nightmare for Galatasaray if they decide to go on with the deal.
“If I was an accountant I would say, ‘don’t do it’,” Bayazit told the BBC.
“Napoli will want 50m euros bare minimum. Galatasaray’s record signing is midfielder Gabriel Sara from Norwich last summer for 18m euros.
“Galatasaray have Mauro Icardi, so they should spend that money on a different position to centre forward.
“Fans were very critical before Osimhen happened as there was no star winger. They are now happy, but as a puzzle piece fitting in, it doesn’t make sense.”
As it stands even if Galatasaray meet Osimhen’s valuation, it is highly unlikely that he will stay at the club. Osimhen will be looking to move to a big club in the top five leagues. And if they come calling with the right offer, he will leave Galatasaray.
