Osimhen sets conditions to stay at Galatasaray as club signs Leroy Sané

Galatasaray’s hopes of retaining Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen have taken a strategic turn as the club moves to meet his demands by bringing in top-tier talent — including the imminent signing of Germany international Leroy Sané.

According to club insider Ali Naci Küçük, Osimhen has made it clear he would only consider staying with the Turkish champions if they demonstrate ambition by signing high-profile players and building a competitive squad.

Küçük made this revelation during an appearance on Futbol Arena’s YouTube channel, via Habersarikirmizi.

The signing of Sané from Bayern Munich, he said, is directly linked to Osimhen’s request.

The 28-year-old winger, whose contract with the Bundesliga champions expires on June 30, has agreed to a three-year deal with Galatasaray worth €9 million per season, along with a €3 million loyalty bonus.

READ ALSO: Galatasaray keen on permanent Osimhen deal amid EPL interest

Although Sané is expected to join Galatasaray officially in July, he may feature one last time for Bayern Munich at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States before his switch to Istanbul.

Galatasaray sees Osimhen — who scored an impressive 37 goals and provided 8 assists in 41 appearances during his loan spell — as central to their future success. The club has reportedly offered him a lucrative deal worth €14 million annually, plus performance-based bonuses.

However, Osimhen remains undecided about his future and is not rushing into a decision, according to Küçük.

“When Icardi signed for Galatasaray, he said, ‘If we are going to build a strong team, I will stay.’ Osimhen used the same sentence,” Küçük noted, drawing parallels between the two strikers’ contract situations.

He urged fans and the media to give Osimhen time to consider his options, adding that while Galatasaray is eager for a resolution, the player is taking a more measured approach.

“Galatasaray is in a hurry, but Osimhen is not. The player needs to be treated with understanding. Galatasaray has done the math well at the moment,” he said.

With Osimhen attracting interest from top European clubs, Galatasaray’s aggressive recruitment and financial offer may yet persuade the 2023 African Footballer of the Year to remain in Istanbul — provided the club continues to demonstrate the ambition he demands.