Bayern Munich have reignited their interest in Super Eagles powerhouse Victor Osimhen with Vincent Kompany’s German giants ready to splash the cash to land one of Europe’s most wanted hitmen.
The Nigerian striker, who completed a record breaking permanent move to Galatasaray from Napoli last summer, has been on Bayern’s radar for months. Now Turkish sources claim the Bavarians are stepping up their scouting mission ahead of a blockbuster summer move as Kompany looks to put his own stamp on the squad.
Osimhen’s numbers this season are properly frightening. Twenty two appearances, 15 goals, three assists and that’s after a permanent switch that made him the most expensive player in Turkish football history. The 26 year old signed a four year deal until June 2029, with Galatasaray paying €40m up front and the rest in installments.
His wages? A cool €15million a year basic salary, plus a €1m loyalty bonus and another €5m for image rights, that’s north of £300,000 a week, or roughly N30billion in Nigerian currency for those keeping score at home.
Former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr needs no convincing. “Osimhen is undoubtedly one of the best centre forwards in the world,” the ex manager said. High praise from a bloke who’s seen plenty of strikers come and go.
Kompany’s interest makes sense. Harry Kane’s been magnificent since arriving from Tottenham, but the Belgian boss will need options up top. Mathys Tel’s still developing, and Eric Maxim Choupo Moting’s done brilliantly but won’t go on forever. With Bayern competing on multiple fronts, another elite operator is very much on the shopping list.
The complication? Osimhen ain’t short of suitors and Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has made it crystal clear he’s not for sale. “Osimhen’s contract does not have an exit clause. He is extremely successful and will serve Galatasaray for many years,” Özbek said recently. Chelsea have been linked longer than most, with the Blues desperate for a proper No.9. Arsenal, Manchester United, even PSG, they’ve all been mentioned at various stages. If this becomes a straight auction, Bayern’s deep pockets will be tested.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, are reaping the rewards of having a world class striker. The big man’s already bagged 42 goals in 49 games since joining including a record seven consecutive European matches with goals. He’s become the fastest scorer in the club’s Champions League history, netting in the third minute against Bodø/Glimt.
His Napoli exit last summer was messy. The club made clear they were cashing in, and after a stunning loan spell, 37 goals in 41 games, a league title, a Turkish Cup, the permanent switch was a no brainer. Osimhen turned down Saudi riches from Al Hilal to stay in Europe.
Bayern’s recruitment team have been tracking him closely ever since. With the summer window looming and Kane turning 32 in July, there’s logic in bringing in another elite operator to share the load and eventually take the reins. Kompany’s project at the Allianz Arena is taking shape, and a statement signing like Osimhen would send ripples through the Bundesliga.
Whether Osimhen fancies a move to the German top flight remains to be seen. He’s previously spoken about his admiration for the Premier League, and you suspect that’s where his heart lies. But Bayern are Bayern, they win titles, they play in the Champions League every year, and they pay handsomely. Under Kompany’s stewardship, they’re building something that’s attracting Europe’s best.
For Galatasaray fans, they’ll enjoy him while they can. The club have already shifted 40,000 Osimhen branded kits and masks, generating over €8m in merchandise sales. But come June, with Europe’s elite circling and no release clause to simplify things, this one’s going to get very noisy indeed.
