Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has resumed full training with Galatasaray, setting his sights on making his second debut for the Turkish giants against Fatih Karagümrük S.K. on Friday. Osimhen rejoined Galatasaray permanently in a record-breaking €75 million deal from Napoli after a successful loan spell last season. The striker missed the team’s opening Super Lig match against Gaziantep, which Galatasaray won 3-0.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk explained that Osimhen was left out of the team’s opening match due to insufficient training time. “Osimhen had only a five or six-day training period,” Buruk told CNN Turk. “Playing under such conditions could have been risky. I spoke to him, and he felt it would be wiser to skip this match and prepare to feature in the next one.” Osimhen’s cautious approach seems prudent, given the high stakes and intense competition in the Turkish Super Lig.
The 26-year-old striker’s €75 million price tag makes him the most expensive player in Turkish football history, surpassing Youssef En-Nesyri’s €19.5 million transfer to Fenerbahçe. Galatasaray will pay Napoli the full amount by the end of 2026, with €40 million paid upfront and the remaining €35 million in installments. Osimhen’s impressive form last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances, justifies the significant investment.
After participating in the team’s session on Wednesday, Osimhen could return to the starting lineup at Rams Park for Friday’s match against Fatih Karagümrük S.K. Galatasaray fans will be eager to see their star striker in action, hoping he can replicate his impressive form from last season.
With Osimhen back in training and potentially set to start against Karagümrük, Galatasaray fans have reason to be optimistic about their team’s prospects this season. The Nigerian striker’s ability to deliver on the big stage will be crucial to the team’s success, both domestically and in European competitions. As Galatasaray prepares to face Fatih Karagümrük S.K., all eyes will be on Osimhen to see if he can make an immediate impact and lead his team to victory.
