By Godsgift Olubori
Fenerbahce has emerged as a determined suitor for Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, who is currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. The drive behind this pursuit is none other than Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese manager who recently joined Fenerbahce.
According to reports, Mourinho has requested the Fenerbahce management make a strong push to bring Osimhen over from their Turkish Super Lig rivals, viewing the Nigerian striker as a critical addition to elevate Fenerbahce’s offensive lineup.
Osimhen, who initially joined Galatasaray on loan, has quickly become a fan favorite. He has proven his value on the field, with standout performances that have attracted attention from top clubs across Europe and beyond. Sources suggest that Chelsea is among the clubs interested, while a high-profile offer from Saudi Arabia could also be in play during the next transfer window
Mourinho’s Vision for Osimhen
Mourinho’s desire to secure Osimhen for Fenerbahce stems from his admiration for the forward’s physicality, speed, and goal-scoring instincts. Known for working well with forwards with Osimhen’s profile, Mourinho has achieved success with iconic players such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o in past roles.
Fenerbahce’s current lineup includes capable forwards like Edin Dzeko, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Cenk Tosun, yet Mourinho seems convinced Osimhen’s unique talent could bring an edge to their squad.
In a statement reflecting his intentions, Mourinho reportedly said he would acquire Osimhen “without question” if Fenerbahce could secure the resources to meet Napoli’s demands
With Napoli’s asking price hovering around €75 million, Mourinho’s aspirations for Osimhen face a significant financial hurdle, yet the club appears ready to push for the deal.
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray: A High-Stakes Rivalry
Osimhen’s presence at Galatasaray has already contributed to a sense of psychological advantage for the team. His impactful play and popularity with fans have amplified Galatasaray’s dominance in the league. Reports indicate that Galatasaray is interested in converting Osimhen’s loan into a permanent move, with an offer of €50 million currently on the table. However, Fenerbahce’s willingness to exceed this bid could tilt the balance in their favor.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has clarified the conditions of a potential transfer, noting that Napoli is open to letting Osimhen go but only for a substantial offer. This €75 million demand could see Fenerbahce entering one of the most high-stakes bidding wars of the season if they intend to outbid both Galatasaray and other interested parties
Whether Fenerbahce can persuade Osimhen to switch from Galatasaray mid-season will depend on various factors, including the player’s loyalty to Galatasaray fans and his career ambitions. While he recently voiced his commitment to seeing out his loan term at Galatasaray, it remains to be seen if a substantial offer in January might sway his decision
As the January transfer window approaches, the battle for Osimhen’s signature promises to be one of the most closely watched developments in the European and Turkish football markets. With Mourinho’s backing, Fenerbahce is setting the stage for a major showdown against their rivals, in the hopes of adding one of Africa’s top forwards to their ranks.
