Galatasaray are set to offer Victor Osimhen the iconic No. 9 jersey as part of a carefully constructed plan to convince the Super Eagles striker to remain in Istanbul and reject interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Nigerian forward has been wearing the No. 45 shirt at Galatasaray since his arrival from Napoli because Argentine forward Mauro Icardi has occupied the No. 9 jersey throughout their time together at the club.
With Icardi expected to depart this summer after his contract expires at the end of June, the shirt is set to become available, and the Turkish champions intend to hand it directly to Osimhen as a statement of his primacy at the club.
The 27-year-old has emerged as the priority target for Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who is seeking a proven goalscorer to lead the line as the club prepare to return to the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have also been credited with interest.
Galatasaray, who signed Osimhen permanently from Napoli in a Turkish transfer-record deal worth €75 million last year, have placed a valuation of between €130 million and €150 million on the striker and have rebuffed significant interest from top European clubs.
