Sports

Victor Osimhen plans Istanbul home purchase after snubbing Super Eagles legend’s Man United advice

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen appears determined to put to rest rumours of a potential winter departure from Galatasaray by making a significant property investment in Istanbul, Soccernet.ng understands.

Despite widespread reports in England linking him with a move to Arsenal or Manchester United this January, Osimhen is reportedly focused on extending his stay in Istanbul.

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Napoli and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year is even exploring ways to make his stay in the Turkish capital permanent.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Osimhen has hired a financial advisor to assist in purchasing a house in Istanbul.

The former Lille striker is keen on securing a permanent residence along the Bosporus, the natural strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This internationally significant waterway is also the boundary between Europe and Asia and boasts a flourishing real estate market that has caught Osimhen’s attention.

Napoli and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen
Baris Alper Yilmaz of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team with Victor Osimhen 45 during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor. Photo by IMAGO

Crucially, Osimhen has reportedly informed Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, that he has no intention of leaving Galatasaray for Manchester United this month.

This decision goes against the advice of former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo.

In an interview with AfricaFoot, Yobo encouraged Osimhen to consider a move to Old Trafford, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Victor should accept the offer if it comes,” Yobo stated. “Amorim’s plans are exciting—he’s one of the best of his generation. If Amorim wants Victor to lead this transition project, he shouldn’t think twice and should accept the offer.”

Augustine Eguavoen and Joseph Yobo
ABUJA, NIGERIA – JANUARY 3: Coach Augustine Eguavoen rt and Yobo Joseph of Nigeria during the Super Eagles training in preparations for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations on December 1, 2022 at Moshood Abiola Stadiun, Abuja, Nigeria. – Photo by Imago

However, Osimhen believes staying at Galatasaray until at least the end of the season is the best decision for his career.

The Super Eagles star, who won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023, seems determined to secure a league title in Turkey before contemplating his next move.

That goal is well within reach, with Galatasaray sitting comfortably at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table.

The reigning champions have amassed 50 points from 18 games, scoring 51 goals and maintaining an eight-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho.

Napoli and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray vs TrabzonsApor Turkish Super League Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray heads the ball during the match. Photo by IMAGO

Osimhen’s contributions have been crucial to Galatasaray’s dominance.

The Nigerian international has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in the league so far. In all competitions, Osimhen boasts an impressive 13 goals and six assists in just 17 appearances.

Galatasaray’s remarkable form extends beyond domestic success.

The Turkish giants remain unbeaten across all competitions, including the Super Lig, the Europa League, and the Turkish Cup. With Osimhen leading the charge, more silverware could soon be on the horizon.

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Raymond Ben

Raymond Ben is a tech enthusiast and business analyst who covers the latest in technology, startups, and the Nigerian economy. His analytical approach makes complex topics accessible to readers.