By Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Turkish football analyst Emre Bol has praised Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen for proving his doubters wrong after a sensational start to the season with Galatasaray.
Osimhen became the most expensive signing in Turkish football history last summer when Galatasaray paid €75 million to Napoli to make his transfer permanent following a successful loan spell that delivered both the league title and domestic cup. Despite his impact, critics questioned whether he justified such a huge fee, arguing that the club had taken a major financial risk.
So far, the 27-year-old has responded in emphatic fashion with goals, relentless work rate, and decisive performances in both the Turkish league and the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen has been central to Galatasaray’s remarkable European campaign, scoring six goals in the group stage to help the club reach the knockout rounds for the first time in years. He also delivered a masterclass in the playoff round, registering two assists in a stunning 5–2 victory over Juventus, marking the first time Juventus had conceded five goals in the competition and the first time a Turkish side had scored five in a Champions League match. With the return leg in Turin still to come, Galatasaray are firmly in control of the tie.
Emre Bol believes those performances justify the €75 million investment, insisting that Osimhen has silenced those who doubted his price tag. Across all competitions this season, the Nigerian forward has registered 15 goals and five assists, attracting interest from several European heavyweights.
Clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, and Juventus are reportedly monitoring his situation. However, Galatasaray are under no pressure to sell and would only consider offers above €80 million.
If a move materialises, Atlético Madrid could be the ideal destination. A switch to the Spanish capital would see Osimhen reunite with his Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman, potentially forming a deadly attacking partnership at club level to complement their national team chemistry. Under the guidance of coach Heric Chelle, such a reunion could create one of Europe’s most dangerous forward combinations, blending Osimhen’s power and clinical finishing with Lookman’s pace and creativity.
For now, Osimhen remains Galatasaray’s talisman, but if his current trajectory continues, Atlético Madrid may well be the next chapter in a career that is rapidly reaching world class heights.
