Former Napoli captain Kalidou Koulibaly has disclosed the motive behind Victor Osimhen’s decision to join Galatasaray ahead of other suitors including Al-Hilal this summer.
Osimhen completed a €75 million move to the Turkish giants from Napoli in July, ending a long transfer saga with the Italian club. The fee paid for his services also represented the most expensive transfer fee in the Turkey Super League.
He was impressive in his first campaign at the club, after he joined on a season-long loan deal in the 2024/25 season and claimed the Turkish golden boot to lead Galatasaray to a league title and cup double.
The 26-year-old was courted by top European clubs, while he rejected a move to Saudi Premier League to join his ex-teammate’s side Al-Hilal.
The former Saudi Premier League champions offered the Super Eagles striker a mouthwatering offer, which he rejected to remain in Turkey.
What Koulibaly said about Osimhen
Koulibaly who was once a teammate of Osimhen at Napoli, revealed what the Nigerian striker said in a recent interview.
“There was a way to feel, I frankly illustrated our reality in Saudi Arabia to Osimhen”, the 34-year-old revealed.
“I explained to him that there is a limited or distorted perception of football, where there are thick players, from Cristiano Ronaldo down.
“He explained to me that Istanbul enthusiastically welcomed him and his family, and that there are strong ambitions. He made his choice, and I wish him the best,” Koulibaly added.
Osimhen will now look to spur Galatasaray to retaining their Super Lig title this season.
