Istanbulspor chief breaks silence over Victor Osimhen’s plan to buy Turkish club

Turkish second-tier side İstanbulspor have moved quickly to address growing speculation linking Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen with a potential takeover of the club, Footynaija reports.

Reports in Nigeria and Turkey suggested the Galatasaray forward was preparing an ambitious move to acquire İstanbulspor, alongside plans to create a structured pathway for young Nigerian players. The proposal was said to include establishing a football academy in Nigeria and forming a feeder team that would help talents transition from the domestic league to European football.

However, İstanbulspor president Ecmel Faik Sarıalioğlu has firmly downplayed the claims, insisting the club has not received any formal approach from the Super Eagles striker.

“We’ve seen reports that Osimhen is going to buy Istanbulspor. But as the club president, I can confirm we haven’t received any official confirmation,” he said.

The response brings a note of caution to what had quickly become a widely discussed story, particularly given Osimhen’s growing influence both on and off the pitch. The 27-year-old, one of Nigeria’s most prominent football exports, recently spoke about his desire to invest in the game, signalling a shift from his already well-documented ventures in real estate.

Speaking during an online livestream, Osimhen outlined a long-term vision that goes beyond club ownership. His idea centres on creating a development bridge between Nigeria and Turkey, offering young players a clearer route into European football. The plan reflects his own journey from Lagos to the top of the European game and his desire to open similar doors for the next generation.

Despite the excitement surrounding the proposal, İstanbulspor’s statement suggests that, for now, there has been no concrete movement behind the scenes. Founded in 1926, the club remains a historic name in Turkish football, though it has spent recent years outside the top tier.