Fenerbahce board member Hakan Safi has expressed a strong desire to personally finance a sensational move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, a transfer that could send shockwaves through Turkish football, according to Soccernet.ng.
Currently enjoying a remarkable loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen has become a game-changer for the reigning champions. The Super Eagles star has been directly involved in 38 goals across 36 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s push for a domestic double and earning cult status among fans.
Galatasaray’s triumph has come at Fenerbahce’s expense. The Yellow Canaries, likely to finish second behind their fierce rivals once again, have watched Osimhen’s brilliance with growing envy. That frustration appears to have turned into bold ambition, with Safi now eager to lure the Napoli-owned forward, even if only for a season.
“Fenerbahçe executive Hakan Safi wants to bring in Osimhen. He’s saying, ‘Let’s team up and make this transfer happen.’ He even said, ‘I’ll cover the cost if needed,’” Turkish journalist Ahmet Ercanlar revealed via DeparSports.
Fenerbahce had the chance to sign Osimhen on loan last summer but instead opted to splash out on Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Sevilla. Galatasaray capitalized, agreeing to the financial terms and securing Osimhen, a decision that now looks like a masterstroke.
Safi, who also plays a key role in Fenerbahce’s basketball division, is urging fellow board members to act quickly. He believes Osimhen could be the key to matching Galatasaray’s financial and sporting clout.
However, prising Osimhen away from Galatasaray won’t be straightforward. The Istanbul giants are already working to make his stay permanent, underlining how crucial the 26-year-old has become to their long-term plans.
To complicate matters further, interest from abroad continues to grow. Osimhen, the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot, remains a top priority for several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly especially keen, making Osimhen a leading target for the summer transfer window.
Juventus are also monitoring the situation, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are considered possible destinations. With fierce competition from Europe’s elite, Fenerbahce’s hopes of bringing Osimhen to Kadıköy face a daunting challenge.
