Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek Praises Victor Osimhen as Historic Striker
In a remarkable tribute, Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek has officially recognized Nigerian international Victor Osimhen as the second most-exciting striker in the storied history of the Turkish football club. This high praise places Osimhen directly behind the legendary Oktay Metin, who remains Galatasaray's all-time top scorer and one of Turkey's greatest football icons.
Osimhen's Impact Since Joining Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen arrived at Galatasaray on an initial loan deal from Napoli in 2024, before the club secured his permanent transfer in the summer of 2025. Since his debut, he has been the driving force behind the team's success, quickly establishing himself as Galatasaray's most important player and the standout performer in the entire Turkish Super League.
During his loan spell, Osimhen netted an impressive 37 goals across all competitions. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and absences due to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he has already scored 17 goals in the current season. His contributions were instrumental in helping Galatasaray qualify for the UEFA Champions League, where they have advanced to the Round of 16 and are set to face Liverpool.
President Ozbek's Admiration for the Super Eagles Star
President Dursun Ozbek has been an outspoken admirer of Osimhen since the striker's arrival. In a conversation with reporter Yakup Cinar, Ozbek expressed his profound admiration, stating, "Among the strikers who have played for Galatasaray, after Metin Oktay, Victor Osimhen is the one who excites me the most."
Ozbek further elaborated on Osimhen's dedication, noting, "We admire Osimhen even when we watch him in training. He performs as if he's in a match even there. We're afraid he might get injured." This level of commitment has made Osimhen a fan favorite and a critical asset for the club's ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Legacy of Oktay Metin and Osimhen's Place in Club History
Oktay Metin, the striker Osimhen is now compared to, scored 311 goals over two spells with Galatasaray, winning 13 titles and having the club's sporting complex named in his honor. Being mentioned in the same breath as such a legend underscores the significant impact Osimhen has made in a relatively short time.
Despite ongoing interest from top European clubs, Osimhen has expressed his happiness at Galatasaray. In a recent interview with GS TV, he said, "Since I arrived, both my family and I have been having a great time with the president, the coach, the team, and everyone. They make everything very easy for us. I am happy here. I love my club, I love my coach, I love my fans."
Clarifying Rumors and Looking Ahead
President Ozbek has also addressed rumors about unpaid salaries, denying any such issues and calling them an insult to the professionalism of the players involved. As Galatasaray prepares for their crucial Champions League clash with Liverpool, the team's success heavily depends on Osimhen's fitness and form, highlighting his indispensable role in the squad.
