Galatasaray board member Mehmet Bilen compares Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to “Pure Gold”

Galatasaray board member Mehmet Bilen has defended the club’s decision to sign Nigerian international Victor Osimhen permanently, describing the striker as an asset “like pure gold” whose long-term value outweighs the initial investment.

Osimhen joined the Istanbul giants on loan at the start of the 2024–25 campaign, quickly making his mark in the Süper Lig. Impressed by his performances, the club exercised their option to buy at the end of the season, securing the 26-year-old on a full transfer.

While the move has drawn criticism from some quarters over the cost, Bilen insists the acquisition was both strategic and financially sound.

Responding to concerns, Bilen highlighted the potential resale value of a player of Osimhen’s calibre. “Where did the money for Osimhen’s transfer come from? In my opinion, Osimhen did not represent any financial burden for Galatasaray,” he said. “If he played for us this year, we could sell him at the end of the season and recover more than we spent. So where is the loss? Players like Osimhen are like gold. High amounts bring us high profits.”

His comments reflect Galatasaray’s belief that investing in elite players such as Osimhen offers both sporting and commercial benefits. The striker’s proven record in Europe and Africa makes him not only a valuable asset on the pitch but also a potential source of significant profit in the transfer market.

Osimhen has already given supporters a glimpse of his potential in the opening weeks of the 2025–26 season. The Nigerian has scored twice in just three Süper Lig appearances, demonstrating his instinctive finishing ability and strength in leading the line.

His immediate impact reinforced Galatasaray’s decision to secure his services, although his current injury has raised concerns ahead of the club’s European campaign.

The forward’s status remains uncertain as he continues his recovery, with medical staff assessing whether he will be fit for Galatasaray’s upcoming continental fixtures.

Despite the setback, Bilen and the club’s hierarchy remain confident that Osimhen will justify the investment over the course of the season.

Osimhen’s career trajectory has already cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential strikers. Having risen to prominence in Serie A, where he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s domestic success, he attracted interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs before his move to Turkey.

His arrival at Galatasaray was hailed as a major coup for Turkish football, underlining the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level both domestically and abroad.

Bilen’s public defence of the transfer also signals the board’s united stance on their long-term vision. For Galatasaray, Osimhen represents more than just goals — he embodies the type of marquee signing capable of inspiring teammates, energising supporters, and elevating the club’s global profile.

As the Süper Lig season unfolds, all eyes will be on Osimhen’s recovery and return to form. For Bilen and the Galatasaray management, however, the message is clear: their faith in the Nigerian striker remains unwavering, and they see him as a player whose value — both sporting and financial — makes him an investment worth every euro.