Galatasaray turn down €130m Al Hilal approach for Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray have rejected a verbal €130m offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, refusing an approach that would have made him the most expensive African footballer in history.

According to German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Turkish champions were contacted on Wednesday by an intermediary representing Al Hilal. The proposal was made verbally and was not submitted as a formal written bid.

The scale of the offer underlines Al Hilal’s determination to sign the 27-year-old forward, but it has not changed Galatasaray’s position. The Istanbul club have decided not to sell Osimhen despite being offered significantly more than they paid to secure his permanent transfer.

Galatasaray completed the striker’s move from Napoli in July 2025 for €75m. That deal established a record as the highest transfer fee ever paid by a Turkish club for a player.

Osimhen had initially joined Galatasaray on loan for the previous season after his relationship with Napoli deteriorated. He soon established himself as one of the leading figures in Istanbul, helping the club win domestic honours while also becoming a key attacking presence in European competition.

His reputation and market value have continued to grow as a result of his goalscoring, physical power and experience at the highest level. Transfermarkt currently values the Nigeria international at €75m, although the size of Al Hilal’s proposal indicates that clubs with substantial financial resources are prepared to place a much higher valuation on his importance.

Had Galatasaray accepted the offer, Osimhen would have moved to the top of the African transfer rankings. Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande’s reported €125m transfer from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid in July is currently the highest fee paid for an African player.

A €130m deal for Osimhen would therefore have exceeded that figure and made the Nigerian the most expensive African footballer ever.

Al Hilal’s pursuit reflects the club’s continuing search for elite attacking players. The Riyadh-based side have assembled a squad capable of challenging for domestic honours and competing on the Asian stage, while the Saudi Pro League remains an increasingly attractive destination for established international stars.

Osimhen would offer a distinctive set of qualities to the Al Hilal attack. He is a powerful centre-forward capable of stretching defences with his pace, attacking deliveries into the penalty area and leading the press. His ability to run behind defensive lines also makes him a threat in transition, particularly against opponents who defend in deep positions.

Galatasaray’s decision, however, has made clear that they do not currently want to part with their leading striker. The club are already planning for the 2026-27 campaign, when they will aim to maintain their position at the top of Turkish football and prepare for another demanding European season.

Osimhen is expected to remain central to those plans. For now, despite Al Hilal’s substantial offer, the Nigeria striker remains in Istanbul.