Victor Osimhen has made a daring decision, quitting a highly lucrative contract at Napoli to sign a record-breaking permanent contract with Galatasaray.  The Nigerian striker officially joined the Turkish champions for €75 million, signing a four-year contract with a net salary of €15 million per year, €1 million in loyalty bonuses, and an additional €5 million in image rights revenue each year.

Despite offers from prominent Western European teams and a prospective move to Saudi Arabia, which reportedly offered even more money, Osimhen chose Istanbul.  Galatasaray’s vice chairman acknowledged that the forward declined bigger salary to remain with the Turkish giants, where his short-term life and effect surpassed his raw income.

A Big Pay Cut for Personal Satisfaction

While Napoli originally paid Osimhen a €12 million net salary—which most likely increased after bonuses—the transfer to Turkey was a complicated financial compromise.  He may have given up short-term wages for a steady, valued position at Galatasaray, where he is already a fan favorite.

Galatasaray’s nth tax advantage for international players, along with their readiness to pay image rights and loyalty bonuses, helped to close the financial difference.  Turkish tax regulations allow international players to pay only 15% income tax, compared to up to 45% in European leagues, resulting in a competitive net wage

A Dream Season Seals the Deal

Osimhen’s loan stay at Galatasaray in 2024-25 was exceptional.  He scored 37 goals and eight assists in all competitions, guiding them to a domestic double (Süper Lig and Turkish Cup), and breaking the record for the most goals scored by a foreign player in a single Turkish league season.

His steady on-field performance—as well as his emotional connection with fans—were critical in securing the permanent contract.  As one fan stated on Reddit:

“If you show Osimhen love, he will give you everything he has.” 

Strategic Calculus: Why Turkey Trumped Serie A & Saudi

Guaranteed Playing Time & Legacy Building

Controversy and squad politics at Napoli, including being benched by coach Antonio Conte, limited his opportunities.  At Galatasaray, he is the main point.

Ambition over Cash

Osimhen allegedly turned down larger offers from Saudi teams and European suitors to remain at Galatasaray, where he feels valued and rooted.

Smart Financial Structuring

The contract was structured by Galatasaray as a €40 million upfront payment followed by another €35 million in 2026, with a 10% future resale clause in favour of Napoli.  They also included a provision prohibiting Osimhen’s sale to an Italian team for two years.

Napoli’s Perspective: Sharp Salary Savings

Osimhen’s whole wage was previously covered by Napoli while he was not in the team, but they have now seen financial freedom.

What Lies Ahead: Legacy, Ambition & Europe

At Galatasaray.

Osimhen has now become the most expensive arrival in Turkish football history, a strong indication of desire.  With Champions League ambitions, he will be crucial to Turkey’s elite team’s European return.

For Napoli.

They’ve removed a disturbing factor, recouped significant dollars, and are still set to get a 10% share of future sale proceeds—a possible bonus if Osimhen goes to another European powerhouse.

In the Market

Osimhen has re-established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.  According to reports, he is still on the radar of PSG, Chelsea, and even Premier League teams, though his pay demands and Galatasaray’s record deal have raised the bar even higher.

Final Thoughts

Victor Osimhen’s decision to leave Napoli and take a top-tier—but relatively lower—salary at Galatasaray is about more than money.  It’s a statement: he prioritises legacy, connection, and football fulfillment over short-term financial success.

By foregoing Napoli’s Serie A salary to remain with a club where he is revered and expected to lead in Europe, Osimhen has valued personal significance, understanding that success and longevity may be more satisfying than instant wealth.

Galatasaray took a risk with a €75 million cost and lucrative contract—and if his Turkish actions continue as projected, the investment might pay off both on and off the field.