Victor Osimhen Transfer: Galatasaray Legend Hasan Şaş Predicts Juventus Will “Take Him”

A seismic shift could be on the horizon for Galatasaray and their star Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen. According to a revered club legend, a top European powerhouse is poised to pry the potent forward away from the Turkish Süper Lig champions this summer. The prediction, rich with historical parallels, suggests a transfer strategy reminiscent of a recent high-profile La Liga move and points directly at Juventus as the likely destination. This analysis dissects the claims, the player’s situation, and the broader implications for all parties involved.

Introduction: The “They’ll Take Him” Prediction

The football transfer rumor mill is often a cacophony of speculation, but when a club icon speaks, ears perk up. Hasan Şaş, a Galatasaray legend whose name is etched in the club’s history, has issued a stark forecast regarding the future of Victor Osimhen. Speaking on the sporON YouTube channel, Şaş stated with certainty that Osimhen will not remain at Galatasaray beyond the current season, regardless of his performance in the UEFA Champions League. His key phrase, “They’ll take him from there,” has become the headline, but the substance lies in his comparison to a very recent, very similar transfer precedent and his naming of Juventus as the most likely executor of this plan.

This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized breakdown of Şaş’s assertions. We will examine the factual basis of Osimhen’s stellar performance and contractual status, analyze the “Lookman Precedent” that Şaş cites, explore Juventus’s potential motivations, and discuss Galatasaray’s strategic contingency. The goal is to move beyond the sensational quote to a clear, pedagogical understanding of the transfer dynamics at play for one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.

Key Points: What Hasan Şaş Said

Hasan Şaş’s commentary, reported by Karadeniz Gazete, can be distilled into several critical points that form the backbone of this transfer narrative:

• Inevitable Departure: Şaş believes Victor Osimhen will leave Galatasaray in the summer transfer window, even if he delivers Champions League success. The pull of top European clubs is deemed insurmountable.
• The Juventus Connection: He explicitly names Juventus as the club that will sign Osimhen, predicting they will employ a transfer strategy similar to Atlético Madrid’s recent acquisition of Ademola Lookman.
• The “Lookman Precedent”: Şaş draws a direct parallel. He notes that while other Turkish clubs (specifically mentioning Fenerbahçe) showed interest in Lookman, Atlético Madrid acted decisively and financially to complete the deal swiftly, without protracted negotiations. He suggests Juventus will do the same for Osimhen.
• Galatasaray’s Contingency Plan: In the event of Osimhen’s exit, Şaş states Galatasaray will immediately move to extend the contract of their other high-profile striker, Mauro Icardi, to maintain offensive firepower.
• Financial Apathy: The legend argues that for a European club that truly needs a player of Osimhen’s caliber, the transfer fee will become a secondary concern. The urgency and desire will override cost considerations.

Background: Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray

A Record-Breaking Stint

To understand why Şaş believes Osimhen is a prime target, one must first assess his impact since arriving at Galatasaray. After his permanent transfer from Napoli in the summer of 2024 (following a loan spell), Osimhen has been nothing short of spectacular. His statistics are a testament to his world-class striking ability:

• Appearances: 63 matches across all competitions.
• Goals: 52 goals.
• Assists: 11 assists.
• Goal Ratio: A remarkable goal every approximately 1.2 games.

These numbers have not only propelled Galatasaray to domestic dominance but have also made them a formidable force in the UEFA Champions League, where his physical presence and clinical finishing have troubled Europe’s elite defenses. His partnership with Mauro Icardi created one of the most feared forward lines in Turkey, though Icardi’s future is now also a topic of discussion.

Contractual Reality: The Ticking Clock

The most critical factual underpinning of this entire saga is Osimhen’s contract. Despite being a permanent signing, his deal with Galatasaray is reportedly short, running for only one additional year beyond the 2024-2025 season. This means he will enter the 2025-2026 season as a player in the final year of his contract. This contractual situation creates immense leverage for buying clubs and immense pressure for Galatasaray. They face a classic “sell now or lose him for free” dilemma, which drastically lowers their negotiating position and increases the likelihood of a sale this summer.

The Spalletti Factor

An additional layer of narrative involves Osimhen’s former Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti, who famously led Napoli to a Scudetto with Osimhen as his focal point, is now the manager of Juventus. This pre-existing, proven managerial relationship is frequently cited in media reports as a significant factor that could smooth the path for a transfer to Turin, making Juventus’s interest more credible than that of other clubs.

Analysis: Deconstructing the “Lookman Precedent”

Hasan Şaş’s core argument rests on the comparison to Ademola Lookman’s move from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024. Understanding this precedent is key to understanding his prediction for Osimhen.

The Lookman Transfer: A Case Study in Decisive Action

In 2024, Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman was a hot commodity after a stunning season with Atalanta, culminating in a UEFA Europa League final hat-trick. Reports indicated interest from several clubs, including Turkish sides like Fenerbahçe. However, Atlético Madrid, not initially perceived as the frontrunner, executed a swift and financially overwhelming move. They met Atalanta’s valuation without the prolonged haggling that often characterizes modern transfers, effectively “paying the money and bringing him in,” as Şaş described.

The key takeaways from this model, according to Şaş, are:

1. Speed and Finality: The buying club identifies the target and acts with urgency, closing the deal before other interested parties can mobilize.
2. Financial Deterrence: By presenting an offer that meets or exceeds the seller’s asking price immediately, they remove the possibility of a bidding war or drawn-out negotiations.
3. Market Inefficiency Exploitation: They capitalize on the situation where other clubs (like the mentioned Turkish teams) are perceived as being slower or less decisive in their financial commitment.

Applying the Precedent to Osimhen and Juventus

Şaş argues that Juventus, with their need for a proven, physical central striker and the allure of reuniting Osimhen with Spalletti, is positioned to replicate Atlético’s strategy. The logic follows:

• Need: Juventus’s current striking options may not fully satisfy their ambitions, creating a clear “need” as Şaş phrased it.
• Resources: Juventus, as a historic Italian giant with significant revenue streams, possesses the financial muscle to make a decisive, upfront offer that Galatasaray cannot refuse, especially given Osimhen’s contract situation.
• Timing: With Osimhen’s contract ticking down, Galatasaray’s preferred scenario of a bidding war among multiple elite clubs is less likely. A single, strong, early offer from Juventus could force their hand.

Şaş’s statement, “If Osimhen beats Juventus [in the Champions League], they’ll come by themselves, take him, and go,” is particularly telling. It suggests that on-field success in Europe will only increase Osimhen’s value and desire, but the mechanism of the transfer will be a straightforward financial transaction, not a complex negotiation. The phrase “they’ll take him and leave” implies a transaction so clean and decisive that it bypasses typical transfer drama.

Practical Advice: Implications for All Stakeholders

Beyond the prediction, what are the practical realities and strategic considerations for Galatasaray, Juventus, and the player himself?

For Galatasaray: Navigating the Exit

Galatasaray’s sporting director and board must operate with a clear head. Şaş’s advice about Mauro Icardi is the most concrete strategic takeaway for the club.

• Activate the Icardi Plan: If Osimhen’s departure becomes imminent, triggering a contract extension for Icardi (whose deal also expires soon) is a logical move to maintain squad stability and attacking threat. This signals ambition to fans and mitigates the sporting loss.
• Financial Prudence: With Osimhen entering his final year, Galatasaray’s primary objective must be to maximize return. A significant transfer fee (likely well over €70-80 million given his record) would be a massive financial boost, allowing for reinvestment in the squad. They must weigh the sporting loss against the financial and strategic gain.
• Manage Fan Sentiment: Selling a beloved, record-breaking star is always sensitive. Transparent communication about the economic necessity and the reinvestment plan will be crucial.

For Juventus: The Striker Quest

For Juventus, the potential move is about solving a long-term problem.

• Tactical Fit: Osimhen is the archetypal modern No. 9: strong, fast, excellent in the air, and a relentless pressing trigger. He fits perfectly into a high-intensity, possession-based system like Spalletti’s, offering a focal point that converts chances and holds up play.
• Financial Calculation: The fee will be substantial, but Juventus must assess if Osimhen’s age (he will be 26 in December 2025), proven performance in Serie A, and potential resale value justify the investment over a 4-5 year contract. His lack of long-term injury history is a positive.
• Execution is Key: Following the “Lookman Precedent” means making a swift, compelling offer. Dithering could invite competition from other Premier League or La Liga clubs, potentially driving up the price.

For Victor Osimhen: The Career Move

For the player, this is a pivotal career decision.

• Sporting Project: Juventus offers a return to Serie A, a league he knows, under a manager who maximizes his talents. It’s a move to a club with consistent Champions League qualification and title ambitions.
• Financial Security: A move to Juventus would come with a significantly improved salary, aligning with his status as one of the world’s best strikers.
• Legacy: Success at a historic club like Juventus would cement his status among the global elite, beyond being a prolific scorer in Turkey.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Osimhen Transfer

Is the Victor Osimhen to Juventus transfer confirmed?

No. It is a prediction made by a club legend, Hasan Şaş, based on his analysis of the situation. As of now, there are no official announcements from Galatasaray, Juventus, or Osimhen’s representatives. It remains a credible rumor fueled by the player’s contract status and sporting need.

What is Victor Osimhen’s current contract situation?

Osimhen is under contract with Galatasaray for one more season (until 2026). This impending expiry is the primary catalyst for transfer speculation this summer (2025).

How much would Victor Osimhen’s transfer fee be?

While no official figure exists, credible media estimates based on his performance, contract length, and market trends suggest a fee in the region of €70 million to €100 million. The exact amount will depend on negotiation urgency, competition, and Galatasaray’s willingness to sell.

What is the “Lookman Precedent” Hasan Şaş refers to?

It refers to the 2024 transfer of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid. Şaş highlights that Atlético acted swiftly and paid the required fee decisively, bypassing other interested clubs (like Turkish sides) who were slower or less committed financially. He believes Juventus will replicate this approach for Osimhen.

Why would Juventus be interested in Victor Osimhen?

Key reasons include: 1) A need for a proven, world-class central striker; 2) The existing managerial relationship with Luciano Spalletti, who got the best out of Osimhen at Napoli; 3) Osimhen’s physical profile perfectly suits Serie A; 4) His age (26) offers a prime window of performance.

What happens at Galatasaray if Osimhen leaves?

According to Hasan Şaş, Galatasaray’s immediate reaction would be to extend the contract of Mauro Icardi to ensure continuity in attack. Financially, the large transfer fee would be reinvested into the squad to maintain competitiveness in the Süper Lig and Champions League.

Could another club besides Juventus sign Osimhen?

Absolutely. While Şaş points to Juvent