Written by Okafor Joseph, Sports Writer | June 3, 2025

Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha has shared his thoughts on Victor Osimhen’s future as speculation mounts over the striker’s next move after a record-breaking loan spell with Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, SpringNewsNG reports.

In an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor via Haberler, the former Fenerbahçe midfielder praised Osimhen’s incredible form and advised him to reflect on the joy and fulfillment he’s found in Turkey. Okocha suggested that remaining at Galatasaray could be a smart career decision, even if it involves personal compromise.

“Turkey is a great place to play and live football,” Okocha said. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in football. Osimhen had an amazing season at Galatasaray. He’s happy here—why not continue? I love Turkey, and so does he.”

Osimhen, on loan from Serie A side Napoli, concluded the season with a staggering 37 goals, including one in Galatasaray’s 2–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir. His dominant performances played a vital role in helping the club clinch both the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup.

Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, acknowledged the uncertainty around Osimhen’s future but expressed admiration for the striker’s contribution and voiced his hope that he remains with the club.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray fans have launched a global #StayWithUs campaign, including a high-profile billboard display in New York’s Times Square, in a bid to convince Osimhen to stay.

Though Osimhen has not made an official statement, reports indicate that his agent has received a lucrative new offer from Galatasaray—€15 million per year—making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, surpassing his current €12 million annual salary.

When asked if he had any insight into Osimhen’s decision, Okocha responded:

“I don’t know. Wherever he decides to go, I wish him all the best.”

Reflecting on his own time in Turkish football, Okocha recalled his two years with Fenerbahçe from 1996 to 1998, describing the period as “wonderful” and praising both the fans and local cuisine. He concluded with a nostalgic nod to his former club, saying:

“The greatest is Fener.”