Victor Osimhen urged to quit Galatasaray for Premier League or La Liga by former Napoli teammate

Former Napoli midfielder Diego Demme has urged Victor Osimhen to leave Galatasaray for one of Europe’s biggest clubs, arguing that a move to the Premier League or La Liga would give the Nigerian striker greater global recognition.

Osimhen has established himself as a key figure at the Turkish champions since arriving on loan from Napoli in 2024 before completing a permanent €75 million transfer in 2025.

The 27-year-old has repaid Galatasaray’s investment with 65 goals in 78 appearances across all competitions. He has also made a flying start to the current campaign, scoring six times in four appearances before an injury disrupted his progress.

Despite his impressive record in Istanbul, Demme believes the Super Eagles forward has the quality to compete at an even higher level in European football.

Demme wants Osimhen to take the next step

Demme, who played alongside Osimhen at Napoli for four seasons, believes a move to a more prominent European league would help the striker strengthen his reputation among the world’s elite forwards.

The pair were part of the Napoli squad that won the 2022/23 Serie A title, ending the club’s 33-year wait for the Scudetto.

Speaking in an interview with Ratings, the German acknowledged Osimhen’s popularity in Turkey but insisted that a move elsewhere could benefit his career.

“I think Osimhen is very happy in Galatasaray because he likes the fans and they like him, but I still want to see him play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in a league like La Liga or the Premier League”, the German told r.org.

“I think he has to do it, because he’s a really good striker, and he’d have more visibility than he currently has in Turkey.”

Demme’s comments come despite Osimhen’s continued success at Galatasaray, where he has quickly become one of the club’s most influential players.

European giants circled during summer window

Osimhen attracted considerable interest during the summer transfer window, with several leading European clubs reportedly exploring the possibility of signing him.

Arsenal reopened talks over a potential deal, while Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also linked with the Nigerian international. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal emerged as another reported suitor.

However, Galatasaray maintained their position and refused to sanction his departure, while Osimhen also expressed his willingness to continue his career in Istanbul.

His permanent transfer from Napoli represented a club-record €75 million investment by the Turkish champions, underlining the importance they attach to keeping him.

With his current market value estimated at €65 million by Transfermarkt, Osimhen remains an attractive proposition for clubs seeking a proven goalscorer.

A move to England or Spain would offer him a fresh challenge and the opportunity to test himself against some of Europe’s strongest teams.

Injury interrupts impressive start

Osimhen’s latest campaign had begun promisingly before injury interrupted his momentum.

His six goals in four appearances highlighted his continued effectiveness in front of goal and reinforced his importance to Galatasaray’s ambitions across domestic and European competitions.

The striker will now be focused on regaining full fitness and returning to action as the Turkish champions continue their campaign.

He could feature against Kasımpaşa, depending on his recovery and availability, with a return to scoring form likely to be a priority.

Although Demme would like to see his former teammate move to a bigger European league, Osimhen remains committed to Galatasaray for now.

His goalscoring record in Turkey has strengthened his standing as one of Africa’s leading forwards, but the debate over whether he should seek a new challenge is likely to continue as interest from Europe’s elite clubs persists.