When Victor Osimhen walked off the pitch after helping Galatasaray clinch a league and cup double during his loan spell last season, few could have predicted the Nigerian striker would make a quick return to become the most expensive player in Turkish football history.
But here we are.
Galatasaray have officially announced the permanent transfer of Victor Osimhen from Napoli for €75 million. From record-smashing figures to groundbreaking clauses, here are footynaija.com’s 10 key things to know about the blockbuster deal that has set Istanbul — and Europe — ablaze.
1. A record breaker
Galatasaray have confirmed Osimhen’s permanent signing from Napoli in a €75 million deal. It is the biggest transfer in Turkish football history.
Osimhen, therefore, becomes the most expensive signing in the history of the Turkish Super Lig, smashing Youssef En-Nesyri’s €19.5m record.
| Victor Osimhen is now the most expensive footballer in Turkish football history with a fee of €75m. pic.twitter.com/B3g9dzhWWW
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 31, 2025
2. A homecoming of sorts
Osimhen returns to Istanbul after a phenomenal loan spell where he bagged 37 goals and 8 assists, leading Galatasaray to the league and cup double.
3. Galatasaray’s statement signing
The club released a detailed statement on Thursday evening, marking the start of a four-year contract that runs from the start of the 2025–26 season.
4. Napoli cash in again
This is Napoli’s second-biggest outgoing after Gonzalo Higuaín’s €90m move to Juventus in 2016.
5. A Nigerian record-maker
Osimhen now holds two of the top three Nigerian transfer records — first his €78.9m move to Napoli, now €75m to Galatasaray.
6. A salary like no other
The Super Eagles striker will earn a net €15 million salary annually, making him the highest-paid footballer in Turkey’s history.
The total annual package hits €21 million including €1m in loyalty bonuses and €5m in image rights.
7. Napoli got all their wishes granted by Galatasaray
Apart from the massive transfer fee Galatasaray are obligated to cough out, an additional 10% of the profit from the player’s future sale will be paid to SSCN Napoli.
A clause also bars Osimhen from joining any Serie A club for at least two years after this transfer.
Victor Osimhen received a welcome as he returned to Galatasaray pic.twitter.com/06AGTxJjuW
— LiveScore (@livescore) July 31, 2025
8. Osimhen’s per-minute value
With his €21m salary, Osimhen earns €57,500 per day, €2,400 per hour, and €40 per minute — all after tax.
9. He earned it
Osimhen’s previous season wasn’t just about numbers if goals and assists. He was the Super Lig Player of the Season, Golden Boot winner, and a genuine talisman.
10. Future-proofed
Galatasaray know what they’re doing Osimhen is only 26, and arguably approaching his peak.
The Nigerian striker arrives as Turkish football’s poster boy. He will look to push Galatasaray to greater heights not just on the domestic scene but also in the UEFA Champions League.