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Tottenham boosted as Victor Osimhen rejects Galatasaray captaincy offer
Tottenham Hotspur have been encouraged in their pursuit of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen after he reportedly declined an offer to become Galatasaray’s permanent captain for the 2026-27 season.
The 27-year-old is understood to have rejected the proposal because he does not want to commit his long-term future to the Turkish champions while the possibility of moving to the Premier League remains open.
Tottenham have already made an initial approach for Osimhen, with reports from CaughtOffside and Turkish transfer expert Ekrem Konur claiming the North London club submitted a verbal offer worth between £50m and £55m.
Galatasaray are not prepared to sell at that level, however, and are believed to want a fee closer to £65m after completing Osimhen’s permanent transfer from Napoli earlier this year.
Despite the difference in valuation, Tottenham are continuing to work on a deal as they look to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s attack before the summer transfer window closes. The club have reportedly given internal approval for negotiations to continue, while personal terms are not expected to present a major obstacle.
Osimhen, who has also been linked with Barcelona, is said to be interested in hearing De Zerbi’s plans for Tottenham. His representatives have reportedly been instructed to prioritise discussions with English clubs, while the striker is understood to have given the green light to talks over a move to north London.
Tottenham’s interest has become more urgent amid uncertainty over Richarlison’s future. The club want to recruit an established goalscorer who can lead their attack.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring Osimhen’s situation, but Tottenham’s prospects appear to have improved following the Nigerian’s decision over the captaincy.
Osimhen declines captain’s armband
Galatasaray had hoped to persuade Osimhen to remain at the club by offering him the permanent captaincy after Mauro Icardi’s departure.
The Nigeria international’s apparent reluctance to take on the role was highlighted during Galatasaray’s 3-3 pre-season draw with French side Rennes at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park on Sunday.
Osimhen had put Galatasaray ahead by heading in from a corner delivered by Gabriel Sara. Later, regular captain Abdulkerim Bardakcı was substituted in the 74th minute and handed the armband to Osimhen as he left the field.
Rather than wear it, Osimhen immediately approached Yunus Akgun and gave him the armband. Akgun appeared surprised and tried to persuade the striker to take responsibility, but Osimhen declined and insisted that his team-mate captain the side for the remainder of the match.
It was not the first time Osimhen had refused the armband. Earlier this year, he also declined to wear it after Ilkay Gundogan attempted to hand it to him during another match.
On that occasion, Osimhen explained that his decision was motivated by humility and respect for more senior members of the squad.
His latest actions have been interpreted as another indication that he remains focused on securing a move to the Premier League. Tottenham are said to be his preferred negotiating route, and he is reportedly excited by the prospect of working with De Zerbi.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk had previously made clear that he wanted Osimhen to become one of the club’s captains following Icardi’s departure. However, the striker’s decision not to accept the armband suggests his immediate priority may still be finding a route to England.
If Tottenham can agree a transfer fee with Galatasaray, personal terms are not expected to delay the proposed move.
