Galatasaray Vice-President, Abdullah Kavukcu, said the club shattered the Turkish transfer record by signing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli to actualise a dream.
Naija News reports that Osimhen officially became the most expensive player in Turkish football history after Galatasaray activated his €75 million release clause.
Speaking to Habersarikirmizi, Kavukcu painted a picture of passion, persistence, and a shared dream that led to the stunning transfer deal.
“We had a dream, we started talking with my president in January,” Kavukcu said. “After talking with my president, we talked to Victor. At that time, we said, ‘We want you to stay here permanently, Victor.’ He said he would stay with us. ‘Are you really going to take him?’”
Kavukcu credited the tireless work of the club’s leadership and the emotional commitment from Osimhen himself for making the deal a reality.
“We worked diligently with my president and our management. Victor truly gave up a lot to stay at Galatasaray,” he added. “Footballers around the world would be willing to give up these figures today.”
While Osimhen’s on-pitch talent is undisputed, Kavukcu said it was the bond between the player, the club, and its fanbase that sealed the deal.
“The love for Galatasaray is so great, and our fans created such a strong perception and a wonderful atmosphere of affection that he didn’t want to leave,” he explained. “Victor really wanted us, and we really wanted him.”
This transfer, according to Kavukcu, is about more than just football. It’s a signal of Galatasaray’s intent to become a global brand.
“We didn’t just make transfers. We took Galatasaray to a different level on our path to becoming a global brand,” he emphasised. “We bought him without selling anything.”
With Osimhen now officially a Lion, expectations are soaring among Galatasaray fans who had long campaigned for the club to land the prolific forward.
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