By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Fatih Karagümrük president, Süleyman Hurma, says he would gladly sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen if finances allowed.
Speaking to Ekol Sports via Sporx, Hurma praised the Galatasaray star, who joined the Turkish champions this summer from Napoli in a record €75 million deal – with total earnings exceeding €80 million over four years in wages and bonuses.
The move made the 26-year-old Super Eagles forward the most expensive signing in Turkish football history, ending transfer speculation that linked him with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Juventus.
“Of course I would [sign Osimhen]. Why wouldn’t I? Every penny earned in football goes back into football,” Hurma said. “Even Real Madrid and Barcelona lose money, but every success they achieve pushes them to the next level. Galatasaray won the championship last year, now they’re challenging in the Champions League. Of course, I would do the same.”
Osimhen, last season’s Super Lig top scorer while on loan with Galatasaray, missed the start of the current campaign due to fitness concerns after a delayed pre-season. Turkish forward Baris Alper Yilmaz stepped in with two goals and an assist, but fans have awaited the Nigerian’s return.
That comeback is expected on Friday night when Galatasaray face Karagümrük in the league – a match Hurma views with mixed feelings.
“As a football fan, I would be happy if Osimhen played against Karagümrük,” he admitted. “But as president of Karagümrük, I would prefer him to play in the next match.”
Asked if he would accept a scenario where both teams shared a point without playing, Hurma was blunt: “I wouldn’t even go near the stadium. There’s a huge difference. It’s not easy to go there with any hope.”
