Potential Takeover: Osimhen Not in Talks To Buy Istanbulspor, Club Confirm

Potential Takeover: Osimhen Not in Talks To Buy Istanbulspor, Club Confirm

By BSN Sports 

Istanbulspor have dismissed reports linking Victor Osimhen with a potential takeover of the club, with president Ecmel Faik Sarıalioğlu confirming that no formal approach has been made.

Speculation over a possible investment surfaced after Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray, spoke during a livestream with Nigerian influencer Carter Efe about his long-term ambitions beyond his playing career. During the session, the striker outlined plans to invest in football by acquiring a lower-league club in Turkey and establishing a partner side in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Osimhen explained that the proposed structure would serve as a development pathway for young Nigerian players, enabling them to progress from grassroots football in Nigeria to Europe via Turkey.

Following those remarks, several reports claimed that Istanbulspor had been identified as the target club. However, Turkish outlet Milliyet reported that Sarıalioğlu denied any such development.

“We’ve seen reports that Osimhen is going to buy Istanbulspor, but as club president, I can confirm we haven’t received any official confirmation,” he said.

Osimhen’s vision reflects his personal journey. Having grown up in Lagos and risen through challenging circumstances to reach elite European football, the 27-year-old has expressed a desire to create a more structured and accessible pathway for emerging talents. His plan involves identifying players at grassroots level in Nigeria, developing them domestically, and facilitating their transition to Europe through a Turkish club before eventual moves to top leagues.

Founded in 1926 by students of Istanbul High School, Istanbulspor is one of the city’s oldest football institutions. The club has experienced fluctuating fortunes over the decades, including relegation from the Turkish top flight in the 2004/05 season.