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2026-08-01 18:02 UTC → 2026-08-02 17:14 UTC ·
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Osimhen dons No‑9 as remains Galatasaray captaincy shifts focal point amid transfer saga
Galatasaray confirmed the departure of Mauro Icardi after his contract expired; the Argentine left having scored 77 goals and provided 25 assists in 134 matches, rejecting a reduced €5 million‑per‑year offer and expressing disappointment with the club’s management. The club praised Icardi’s contributions and proceeded After missing four games with the captaincy change announced earlier: defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı was named first‑team captain, while an arm injury, Victor Osimhen inherited the iconic No 9 shirt and a special merchandise collection was unveiled. Osimhen remains returned to the focal point of squad for Galatasaray’s attack, now tallying 59 goals Turkish Cup quarter‑final against Gençlerbirliği and 16 assists in 74 appearances started the Istanbul derby versus Fenerbahçe, where his performance again attracted scouting interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal and helping Chelsea. He then helped secure consecutive Galatasaray’s record‑extending 26th Süper Lig titles. Despite his contract running to 2029, Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal have entered talks – Chelsea title with a roughly 49 % chance of brace, a move, penalty and Arsenal proposing the winning goal in a swap involving Viktor Gyökeres plus €30 million. Galatasaray rejected 4‑2 comeback over Antalyaspor, earning Man of the Arsenal offer, stating it would only consider bids Match and a place in the €130‑150 World Team of the Week. The striker’s on‑field impact has been matched by off‑field speculation. Galatasaray has set a €150 million range, price tag and reiterated repeatedly rejected offers, stating no intention to sell. Chelsea, Manchester United, Atlético Madrid and Tottenham have all been linked, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a firm stance on any transfer valuation. Off bid up to €98 million. The club also settled a €17.5 million debt to Napoli for the pitch, original €75 million transfer fee. Former players such as Florent Malouda and Zeki Önder have advised Osimhen received to consider a call‑up Premier League move, while former Super Eagles forward Obinna Nsofor urged a Champions‑League‑regular club as his next destination. Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle omitted Osimhen from June friendlies, citing the Nigerian Football Federation for upcoming AFCON fixtures, underscoring his continued commitment player’s focus on a potential transfer. Meanwhile Galatasaray has asked Osimhen to help persuade Ademola Lookman to join the national side club, underscoring a strategy of retaining star talent while leveraging it to attract further signings. The saga continues as European clubs monitor the club eyes both domestic defence situation and a deeper Galatasaray maintains its ambition of Champions League run. success while keeping its marquee striker.