Victor Osimhen is believed to have rejected the opportunity to become Galatasaray’s permanent captain before the 2026/27 season, despite being the leading candidate to replace Mauro Icardi as the club’s next leader.
Osimhen steps away from captaincy
The Nigeria striker was Galatasaray’s vice-captain last season and had emerged as the obvious choice after Icardi departed when his contract expired. Head coach Okan Buruk and the club’s senior officials were reportedly in favour of appointing him, a move that would have made Osimhen the first African to hold Galatasaray’s permanent captaincy.
However, Osimhen appears to have decided not to take on the responsibility. That outcome had been suggested several weeks earlier by pundit Bülent Timurlenk, who questioned whether the forward’s temperament on the pitch made him suitable for the role while still highlighting his commitment and performances.
- In Sunday night’s pre-season meeting with Rennes, Osimhen opened the scoring in a 3-3 draw.
- When the armband was offered to him during the game, he declined it and passed it to Yunus Akgun instead.
- The striker made a similar decision in March, giving the captaincy to İlkay Gündoğan after saying he did not feel it was appropriate to lead ahead of a more experienced team-mate.
Transfer interest remains
The uncertainty over the captaincy comes while questions continue to surround Osimhen’s future in Istanbul. Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs to have approached Galatasaray about signing the 27-year-old this summer.
Spurs have begun discussions with the Turkish champions and are understood to have submitted an opening proposal worth between £50 million and £55 million.
Galatasaray, however, are reportedly seeking a fee closer to £65 million, meaning Tottenham’s first bid falls below the club’s valuation. The Turkish transfer window remains open until 1 September.
Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping track of developments. Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen has existed for some time, while United are said to be considering a move as doubts grow over Joshua Zirkzee’s position and future.
