A leading figure associated with administration at Fenerbahçe Mahmut Uslu has dismissed the possibility of Victor Osimhen joining the club, despite acknowledging that the Nigerian striker would be a desirable signing for almost any team.
Mahmut Uslu, who has been proposed as a board member in Aziz Yıldırım’s presidential bid at Fenerbahçe, said the club’s focus should be on building a squad capable of competing against a Galatasaray side featuring Osimhen rather than attempting to lure the forward across one of Turkish football’s fiercest rivalries.
Osimhen enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Galatasaray, playing a central role in the club’s Süper Lig title success. His performances further enhanced his reputation as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football.
The Nigeria international returned to Galatasaray for a second spell last summer after the Turkish champions activated his €75 million release clause. The move made history, with the former Napoli forward becoming the most expensive player ever signed by a Turkish club.
Speaking about the striker, Uslu described Osimhen as one of the most influential players currently operating in Turkish football and stressed that Fenerbahçe must concentrate on assembling a team capable of challenging Galatasaray’s strength.
He stated to HT Spor, as reported by Kıbrıs: “We will construct a squad that can counter a team featuring Osimhen. If we make Kadıköy invincible, we will be champions.”
The comments underline the respect Osimhen has earned across Turkish football following another productive season in Istanbul. Rather than discussing ways to recruit the striker, Uslu focused on the challenge posed by a player who has become a key figure for the reigning champions.
When asked which Galatasaray player he would most like to see at Fenerbahçe, Uslu pointed to Osimhen. However, he immediately rejected suggestions that such a transfer could realistically happen.
“Who wouldn’t desire a player like Osimhen? However, he will not be joining us. His future destinations are evident.”
Uslu’s remarks come amid continuing speculation surrounding the striker’s long-term future. Despite being contracted to Galatasaray until June 2029, Osimhen has recently been linked with several major European clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Those links reflect the impact the forward has made since arriving in Turkish football. His goalscoring record has been a major factor in Galatasaray’s success, while his overall contribution has helped establish him among the leading forwards in the game.
Since joining the Turkish champions, Osimhen has amassed 59 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions. Those figures underline why he remains highly regarded both within Turkey and beyond.
For now, however, Uslu believes the striker’s future lies elsewhere and not with Fenerbahçe, even if he remains the type of player any club would be eager to have in its ranks.
