ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray gestures during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray gestures during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Victor Osimhen is on the ground in Istanbul, welcomed at the airport by thousands of Galatasaray fans, and has already given his first interview ahead of the completion of his permanent transfer from Napoli. 

Osimhen has been travelling to Turkey to complete the final formalities of his permanent move to Galatasaray on Wednesday. 

The Nigeria international, who spent the 2024-25 season out on loan with Galatasaray, is returning in a €75m deal. Napoli will receive €40m up front and the remaining €35m by the end of 2026. 

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old will complete his medical and sign his contract on Thursday. 

What Osimhen said after arriving for Galatasaray signing

Thousands of supporters turned out to welcome Osimhen back to Istanbul on Wednesday evening. There were also thousands of fans who tuned into the Galatasaray YouTube channel, which had been tracking the player’s flight over to Istanbul on a live stream. 

He led the supporters in a chant, and also gave a brief interview to the press waiting for him at the terminal. 

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 18: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Kayserispor on May 18, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 18: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Kayserispor on May 18, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

“For me, I don’t know the words to use to explain. It feels so great to be back. Look at the crowd, look at the people that are tracking the flight. 

“I’m home, this is where I want to be. I’m happy to be here, to come back to where I feel at home for myself, my family and my friends. 

“I want to take the opportunity to thank the President of Gala, the vice-President, George Gardi, Okan Buruk, everyone who made sure I came back to my home. I want to say a very big thank you, and also to the fans that have pushed, that wanted me at the club, as much as I want them also. 

“I’m happy to be here. The story continues and I’m happy to continue with Galatasaray.”

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ByPeter Young

Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.

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