Football legends Micah Richards and Gary Lineker have expressed disbelief over Victor Osimhen’s decision to sign a permanent four-year deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to reports.
The Nigerian forward, who spent the 2024/2025 season on loan at the Istanbul-based club, had been expected to make a move to a top-five European league after scoring a sensational 37 goals and registering 7 assists in 41 appearances. However, with no club willing to meet Napoli’s €150 million valuation, the 26-year-old opted to commit his future to the Super Lig champions.
Many believed Galatasaray would serve as a stepping stone en route to the English Premier League, but his long-term stay in Turkey has raised eyebrows.
Reacting on The Rest is Football podcast, former Man City defender Micah Richards said, “Osimhen to Galatasaray? I can’t believe it. He’s a top striker. Galatasaray is a massive club, no doubt, but in terms of European football, I feel he could’ve done better.”
Richards rated the Super Eagles talisman among the very best: “He’d be one of the top three No. 9s in the Premier League—easy. Joao Pedro is great, but no way is he better than Osimhen. Not even close.”
Ex-Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker also weighed in, describing Osimhen’s decision as surprising, particularly given his impressive track record and current form.
“I saw him play against Leicester in the Europa League, and he was phenomenal. Ever since, I’ve followed his career. He was simply sensational for Napoli,” Lineker recalled.
However, the Match of the Day pundit hinted at why some elite clubs may have hesitated to pursue Osimhen this summer.
“Word on the grapevine is that there are slight concerns over his professionalism. Apparently, he has a habit of going off the radar for a few days, which might have scared off a few potential suitors,” Lineker revealed.
Despite his critics, Osimhen remains one of Africa’s most prolific forwards—and with Galatasaray offering him a platform to shine in the UEFA Champions League, time will tell if his unorthodox move proves to be genius or gamble.