Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles and Napoli striker, concluded a remarkably successful loan spell at Galatasaray by netting his 37th goal for the Turkish giants in their final match of the 2024/2025 season. The match, a 2-0 victory against Istanbul Başakşehir, served as a fitting end to a campaign that saw Galatasaray secure a historic domestic double, winning both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup. Osimhen’s 81st-minute header, following a pinpoint cross from Kaan Ayhan, solidified the win after Dries Mertens had opened the scoring with a penalty in the first half. This victory marked Galatasaray’s tenth consecutive win across all competitions, underscoring their dominance throughout the season, a dominance significantly fueled by Osimhen’s prolific goalscoring.
Osimhen’s loan spell has been nothing short of sensational. He has consistently delivered crucial goals, showcasing his exceptional talent and proving to be an invaluable asset to Okan Buruk’s side. In 41 appearances, he found the back of the net an impressive 37 times, a testament to his clinical finishing and predatory instincts in the penalty box. His contributions have been instrumental in securing Galatasaray’s record 25th league title, a milestone achievement that has further cemented his legendary status among the club’s fervent supporters. His impact extends beyond mere goals, though, as his presence on the pitch, his work rate, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates have also been essential components of Galatasaray’s success.
While the match against Başakşehir served as a celebratory occasion for Galatasaray, it also carried an undercurrent of uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s future. Despite his undeniable impact and the adoration of the fans, Osimhen’s loan agreement has come to an end, and his return to parent club Napoli is imminent unless a deal can be struck to keep him in Istanbul. Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk publicly acknowledged the delicate situation, emphasizing the club’s desire to retain the Nigerian striker while also respecting the player’s autonomy in deciding his next move. Buruk’s comments underscore the complex negotiations that are likely taking place behind the scenes, with Galatasaray undoubtedly exploring every avenue to secure Osimhen’s services on a permanent basis.
The Galatasaray faithful have made their feelings clear, launching impassioned campaigns to persuade Osimhen to stay. These efforts have ranged from social media campaigns using the hashtag #staywithus to a grand gesture in the form of a heartfelt plea displayed on a billboard in New York City’s Times Square. This level of dedication from the fans highlights the significant impact Osimhen has had on the club and the city, transforming himself into a beloved figure in a remarkably short period. The outpouring of affection is a testament to his on-field brilliance and the connection he has forged with the supporters.
Amidst the fervent pleas from the fans and the ongoing negotiations, Osimhen himself has remained tight-lipped about his future plans. He has chosen to focus on celebrating Galatasaray’s historic title win with his teammates and family, including a touching moment shared with his daughter Hailey after the title-clinching victory against Kayserispor. This silence, while understandable given the delicate circumstances, has only heightened the speculation surrounding his future. His next move will undoubtedly be a major talking point in the football world, with several top clubs likely monitoring the situation closely.
The final match against Başakşehir, though ultimately a comfortable victory for Galatasaray, wasn’t entirely one-sided. Başakşehir created several opportunities throughout the match, testing Galatasaray’s defense and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Ömer Ali Şahiner and Figueiredo both came close to scoring, but Muslera’s alertness and the resilience of the Galatasaray backline kept them at bay. Galatasaray also had their fair share of chances, with Ahmed Kutucu forcing a save from Başakşehir goalkeeper Muhammed Şengezer. Despite these moments of attacking threat from both sides, Osimhen’s goal and the overall performance of Galatasaray solidified their dominance and showcased the effectiveness of their attacking prowess, leaving a lasting image of a team at the peak of its powers. Regardless of Osimhen’s future destination, his contribution to Galatasaray’s historic season will be etched in the club’s memory, ensuring his place in their folklore.
