Kavukcu also said the deal takes Galatasaray to “a different level” on their path to becoming a “global brand”.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Galatasaray Vice-President, Abdullah Kavukcu has justified his club’s decision to break the Turkish football transfer record and sign Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen on a permanent basis.
The Nigeria international on Thursday became the most expensive player in the history of Turkish football after agreeing a deal with the club.
Galatasaray triggered Osimhen’s €75m release clause to sign him from the Serie A champions.
Speaking on Galatasaray’s decision to close the huge transfer deal, Kavukcu said (via habersarikirmizi) the club signed the 24-year-old because he also wanted to stay at the club.
He added that the contract takes the Turkish giants to “a different level” on their path to becoming a “global brand”.
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He said, “We had a dream, we started talking with my president in January. After talking with my president, we talked to Victor.
“At that time, we said, ‘We want you to stay here permanently, Victor.’ He said he would stay with us. ‘Are you really going to take him?’
“We worked diligently with my president and our management. Victor truly gave up a lot to stay at Galatasaray.
“Footballers around the world would be willing to give up these figures today. The love for Galatasaray is so great, and our fans created such a strong perception and a wonderful atmosphere of affection that he didn’t want to leave.
“We didn’t just make transfers. We took Galatasaray to a different level on our path to becoming a global brand.
“Our fans have always wanted him. We expect significant support from our fans regarding Victor. Victor really wanted us, and we really wanted him.
“He, too, gave up a lot. We bought him without selling anything.”.
