Tens of thousands of fans flocked to the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex to watch the spectacular ceremony, which included lights, music, and hoopla worthy of two elite players, making the double unveiling one of the most anticipated events in Turkish football history.
Following their Super Lig victory, Galatasaray made two high-profile acquisitions to strengthen their European aspirations, and the event marked the end of one of the club’s most ambitious transfer windows in history.
Osimhen, 26, signed a permanent contract with Galatasaray from Napoli following an incredible loan stint in which he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 games, helping the team win the Turkish Cup and the Super Lig. At €75 million, the deal becomes the most costly in Turkish football history.
The arrangement gives Napoli 10% of any future sales in exchange for an upfront payment of €40 million, an extra €5 million in bonuses, with the remaining amount to be paid over two years. The Nigerian forward agreed to a four-year contract worth €15 million a year, exclusive of sponsorship and image rights earnings.
After leaving Bayern Munich, Sané signed a three-year contract as a free agent, allegedly for £10–11 million per season. His acquisition gives Galatasaray’s already potent attack even more speed and Champions League experience.
Club executives highlighted the business strength behind the signings by projecting that the reveal event might bring in €6-7 million from ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandising.
Osimhen’s unprecedented financial sacrifice to clinch his permanent transfer to the Turkish giants was disclosed by Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu the day before the unveiling.
The sacrifice Victor made to come here is absolutely immense. We are glad to have him, as he sacrificed a sum that no other player would ever give up,” Kavukcu told Turkish reporters at the press conference on Friday.
The Galatasaray executive said that the agreement is a huge coup for Turkish football and that they are extremely proud to have signed Osimhen without jeopardizing the club’s financial future.
Despite strong interest from Juventus and the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, Osimhen decided to stick to Galatasaray for the long run. In June, the striker famously turned down an incredible contract offer from Al-Hilal worth €40 million annually, choosing instead to sign with Galatasaray for a much cheaper €15 million each season.
Speaking in his first official interview with the team, Osimhen said he was extremely emotional about his permanent move and that Galatasaray provided him with the ideal setting for complete self-expression.
In an interview with Galatasaray’s official YouTube channel, Osimhen stated, “This is where I can express myself fully through my football and with everything that I am.” “I sincerely appreciate everyone who put in the effort to get me here. I came because I feel comfortable, and I adore this area.
Earlier this week, thousands of Galatasaray supporters flocked to the Atatürk Airport and lined the streets to celebrate the arrival of the Nigerian international, who was first greeted with a boisterous reception in Istanbul.
