Osimhen turns down Jorge Mendes approach, says he is happy at Galatasaray

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has turned down an approach from Jorge Mendes, the powerful football agent who once represented Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a Turkish journalist.

Ali Naci Küçük, speaking to 343 Digital, said Mendes' chief advisor, Umberto Saldavor, travelled to Istanbul about three weeks ago to meet the Nigeria forward. According to Küçük, the offer came with a big promise: "Barcelona, Real Madrid, whichever you want, I can take you there."

Osimhen was not moved. Küçük said the striker replied: "I only work with my lawyer, I'm happy at Galatasaray."

When contacted about the approach, Osimhen kept his answer short, saying: "Right now, all my concentration is on Galatasaray."

The decision fits a pattern. Galatasaray signed Osimhen permanently from Napoli in July 2025 for €75 million after a successful loan spell in which he helped the Istanbul club win the Turkish Super Lig. Reports at the time said he turned down bids of between €120 million and €130 million from European clubs, as well as an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Why it matters to Nigerian fans

Osimhen remains the country's biggest football export and the striker the Super Eagles look to for goals. Where he plays his club football shapes how often Nigerians see him on television and how he arrives at national team camps.

A move to Barcelona or Real Madrid would put him on the biggest stage in Europe. Staying in Turkey keeps him at a club where he is settled and scoring, but the Turkish league gets less global attention than La Liga.

The January transfer window is now approaching, and the summer of 2027 could bring fresh interest from clubs across Europe and beyond. For now, Osimhen appears to be staying put.

His form has also drawn praise in Turkey. Commentator Volkan Demirel named him the greatest striker in Turkish Super Lig history, ranking him above names like Nicolas Anelka, Bafétimbi Gomis and Mario Gómez, even after Galatasaray lost 4-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League.

What happens next

Osimhen's future beyond this season is still open. Clubs can test Galatasaray's resolve when the January window opens, but any deal would need to satisfy both the Turkish champions and a striker who says he is content where he is.