Victor Osimhen Confirms Discussions with Super Eagles Teammates Amid Galatasaray Transfer Interest
Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has publicly confirmed that he engaged in conversations with two of his Super Eagles teammates, Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika, regarding potential transfers to Turkish champions Galatasaray. The striker disclosed these talks during a recent media interaction, shedding light on the growing interest from the Istanbul-based club in recruiting more Nigerian talent.
Galatasaray's Pursuit of Nigerian Stars Intensifies
According to reliable football reports, Galatasaray has identified both Lookman and Onyedika as prime targets to strengthen their squad for upcoming competitions. The club's interest appears to be significantly influenced by Osimhen's remarkable success during his loan spell in the 2024/25 season, where he contributed 37 goals and eight assists across all competitions, helping secure a league and cup double for the Turkish giants.
Osimhen's personal experience with Galatasaray has made him an unofficial ambassador for the club. After initially joining as a temporary solution following his dispute with Napoli in 2024, his exceptional performances led to a permanent contract, creating a pathway that now attracts attention toward other Nigerian internationals.
Osimhen's Persuasive Pitch to His Teammates
The Napoli legend revealed that discussions took place during the Super Eagles' camp at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he shared insights about Galatasaray's passionate fanbase, the club's prestigious stature, and the appealing aspects of life in Turkey. "I told them about the Galatasaray fans, how big this club is, and how beautiful the country is," Osimhen stated following Galatasaray's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.
While enthusiastically advocating for the move, Osimhen emphasized that the final decision rests with the players themselves. "They're grown men, they'll make their own decisions. But their arrival would be good for the club, the players and the supporters," he added, demonstrating both his persuasive efforts and respect for their autonomy.
Individual Player Situations and Transfer Dynamics
Ademola Lookman's current situation at Atalanta has become increasingly complicated due to ongoing disputes about his desire to leave the Italian club. Having expressed intentions to depart during two consecutive transfer windows, Lookman finds himself at a career crossroads, with Galatasaray attempting to capitalize on this uncertainty much like they did with Osimhen's Napoli exit.
Raphael Onyedika is reportedly seeking the next progressive step in his professional development after establishing himself at Club Brugge. Osimhen specifically praised the midfielder's technical abilities, noting, "He's a very good player, very smooth on the ball. If he comes, he would add a lot to this team."
The Nigerian striker further expressed his genuine desire to see both teammates join him at what he considers "one of the biggest clubs in the world," highlighting his commitment to strengthening both Galatasaray and Nigerian representation at the highest European levels.
Competition from Other European Clubs
Despite Galatasaray's strong interest and Osimhen's endorsement, both players face significant competition for their signatures:
- Lookman has attracted attention from multiple Premier League and Serie A clubs, though he has remained notably reserved about his future plans since revitalizing his form under Atalanta's Raffaele Palladino.
- Onyedika's promising performances have not gone unnoticed, with English side Aston Villa reportedly preparing to challenge Galatasaray for the midfielder's services.
This transfer saga unfolds against the backdrop of Galatasaray's crucial UEFA Champions League campaign, where Osimhen recently sent a competitive message to Manchester City ahead of their decisive group stage encounter. The Turkish club faces a must-win situation against the English champions to secure advancement to the knockout rounds, adding another layer of urgency to their recruitment plans.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Nigerian football fans will closely monitor whether Osimhen's persuasive efforts will result in a Nigerian trio featuring together at Galatasaray, or if other European destinations will prevail in securing these talented Super Eagles stars.
