Victor Osimhen is expected to travel with Galatasaray for their decisive UEFA Champions League knockout play-off second leg against Juventus, despite recently nursing a knee complaint.
The Nigerian striker missed Galatasaray’s 2–0 league defeat to Konyaspor after reporting persistent pain in his right knee. Club officials described his absence as a precautionary measure aimed at preserving him for the crucial return leg in Turin.
Osimhen was instrumental in the first leg, where Galatasaray secured a commanding 5–2 victory over Juventus, with the forward providing two assists in a standout display. His late withdrawal from the squad that travelled to Konyaspor was seen as a calculated decision to ensure he would be fit for Wednesday’s encounter.
An update from Turkish journalist Nevzat Dindar indicated that Osimhen will join the travelling party to Italy, boosting Galatasaray’s hopes of progressing to the next round.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a prolific campaign, registering 15 goals and five assists across the Turkish Super Lig and the Champions League. His form has reignited transfer speculation, with leading European clubs monitoring his situation.
Among those reportedly interested are Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, while Bayern Munich and Juventus are also said to be tracking the striker.
However, any potential move could hinge on financial considerations. Reports indicate that Osimhen earns approximately €16 million net per year, a figure that places him among Europe’s highest-paid players. For Barcelona in particular, whose well-documented financial constraints have limited recent transfer activity, matching such salary demands could prove challenging.
While some top clubs have players on comparable wages, meeting Osimhen’s reported pay expectations may represent a significant hurdle in negotiations, even as interest in his services intensifies.
