Galatasaray plan Osimhen No.9 shirt offer as part of a retention strategy to keep the Super Eagles striker amid interest from top European clubs

Turkish champions Galatasaray are reportedly preparing a retention strategy that includes offering Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen the iconic No. 9 shirt as they seek to secure his future at the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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Victor Osimhen, 27, currently wears the No. 45 jersey at Galatasaray after joining from Napoli, with the No. 9 shirt still occupied by Argentine forward Mauro Icardi during his spell at the club.

Icardi is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, a development that would make the No. 9 shirt available for reassignment.

Club officials are reportedly considering handing Osimhen the number once it becomes vacant, viewing it as a symbolic recognition of his importance to the squad and his status as a central figure in their attacking plans.

The Nigerian striker has attracted strong interest from several major European clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, as speculation over his long-term future continues.

Galatasaray, who signed Osimhen permanently from Napoli in a reported €75 million deal last year, are believed to have placed a valuation between €130 million and €150 million on the forward amid growing transfer attention.

Alongside the potential shirt number change, the club is also reportedly exploring the possibility of a leadership role for Osimhen following Icardi’s departure, as part of efforts to strengthen his connection to the team.

The combined approach is seen as part of Galatasaray’s broader plan to position Osimhen as a key figure both on and off the pitch, rather than solely a marquee attacker.

On the field, Osimhen has delivered a strong season, scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances.

He also added seven goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League matches, helping Galatasaray reach the round of 16 before their elimination by Liverpool.

His contributions have been central to Galatasaray’s recent domestic success, including consecutive Süper Lig title wins during his time at the club.

Also read: Besiktas Set to Sell Wilfred Ndidi Amid Transfer Interest

Discussions around his future are expected to continue in the coming weeks as European clubs monitor his situation and Galatasaray attempt to retain one of their most influential players.