Galatasaray manager Buruk approves Osimhen’s return as Icardi’s successor

By Emeka Nwosu — 16 July 2026 — 5 min read

Victor Osimhen is expected to take over as Galatasaray’s new captain following the departure of Mauro Icardi. The Nigerian striker is considered the frontrunner for the armband after serving as the club’s vice-captain during a successful campaign.

Galatasaray confirmed Icardi’s exit this week after his contract expired, concluding a four-year period in Istanbul where the Argentine won four Turkish Super Lig titles. Reports from Turkey suggest Osimhen is next in line for the leadership role, though an official announcement from the club has not yet been made.

The Super Eagles forward has become a prominent player for Galatasaray since joining from Napoli in 2025. Beyond his goal-scoring achievements, Osimhen has contributed to the team securing back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles and winning the Turkish Cup. He also played a significant role in the club’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

Osimhen holds the record as the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to reach 50 goals and is the first foreign Galatasaray player to score a Champions League hat-trick, a feat he accomplished against Ajax.

Osimhen’s leadership and return to training

Last season, Osimhen combined leadership with crucial performances, helping Galatasaray retain the league title under manager Okan Buruk. The Nigeria international acted as assistant captain, returned from injury to score in a derby victory over Fenerbahce, and later netted twice against Antalyaspor as Galatasaray secured their 26th Turkish Super Lig crown. He was also among the club’s top scorers in all competitions, delivering important goals in both domestic and European matches.

His increasing influence has positioned him as the favourite to succeed Icardi as captain. Having previously deputised for the Argentine, Osimhen is viewed by the club’s management and supporters as the natural choice to lead the team into a new phase. If confirmed, this appointment would mark a significant career milestone for Osimhen, making him one of the few Nigerian footballers to captain a major European club and further solidifying his status as a key player for Galatasaray.

Osimhen has returned to Galatasaray to begin preparations for the 2026/27 campaign. He is expected to resume training on Friday after receiving additional time off from head coach Okan Buruk following a demanding domestic and international season. His absence when the Turkish champions started pre-season earlier this week had led to speculation about his future, amidst reported interest from Atletico Madrid and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

However, reports from Turkey indicate that the striker’s absence was approved by Galatasaray and was not related to any potential transfer. The Nigerian forward was seen boarding a private jet on Wednesday, believed to be his journey back to Turkey ahead of his return to training. Osimhen was among several senior squad members granted an extended holiday, as Buruk chose to stagger the return of key players before intensifying preparations for the new season.

Pre-season preparations and other Nigerian players

The Nigerian striker enters the upcoming season after another productive campaign, following his permanent €75 million move from Napoli in the summer of 2025. This transfer made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. He justified this investment with a prolific season, scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances. In Europe, he contributed seven goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League.

Despite transfer speculation towards the end of last season, Osimhen publicly reaffirmed his commitment to remaining at Galatasaray. The Turkish champions are therefore expected to retain their star striker unless a substantial offer is received before the transfer window closes.

Galatasaray will continue their pre-season preparations with a training camp in Windischgarsten, Austria, from July 23 to July 29. During this camp, they are scheduled to play AC Monza on July 24 at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, and then face Venezia on July 27. The Istanbul club will conclude their pre-season programme with a friendly match against Villarreal at RAMS Park on August 8.

Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke has reported back to Sevilla for the start of the new La Liga season. The Nigerian winger arrived at the club’s training base on Thursday morning for his first session since the squad resumed pre-season earlier in the week. Instead of immediately joining the main group, the 28-year-old completed a specialised training programme alongside Castrin and returning loanee Alfonso Gonzalez.

Ejuke joined Sevilla as a free agent in 2024 and has experienced an inconsistent period in Spain, alternating between regular first-team involvement and periods on the fringes of the squad. With only one year remaining on his current contract, his return for pre-season suggests he could remain part of Sevilla’s plans for the upcoming campaign. However, his long-term future remains uncertain, with almost two months still left in the transfer window. The winger continues to attract interest from clubs in the English Premier League, the Belgian Pro League, and the Saudi Pro League.

Another Super Eagles forward, Akor Adams, has not yet linked up with the Sevilla squad. The striker, who played a key role in helping Sevilla maintain their La Liga status last season, remains in Nigeria according to his recent social media activity. Adams had an impressive 2025/26 campaign, registering 10 goals and three assists in 32 league appearances, and is expected to return to Seville in the coming days if no transfer materialises before then. The 26-year-old continues to attract interest across Europe, with Marseille, Sunderland, and Venezia reportedly monitoring his situation. Despite the growing transfer speculation, Adams still has three years remaining on his contract with the Spanish club.

Source: vanguardngr.com