Former Nigeria forward Samuel Elijah in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Victor Osimhen must leave Galatasaray this summer and seek a move to a bigger European club in order to continue his development.
Osimhen has become a fan favourite in Istanbul after playing a pivotal role in helping Galatasaray secure back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles, extending the club’s domestic dominance to four consecutive league crowns.
Since arriving from Napoli, the Nigeria international has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions. He has also enjoyed individual success, winning the league’s best player award and the Golden Boot in his debut campaign, while also lifting the Turkish Cup.
With speculation surrounding his future once again gathering pace, Elijah believes the 27-year-old has reached the point where he must embrace a new challenge.
“Osimhen is old enough to decide his own future; he knows what is best for his career,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa. “But if I were to advise him, I’d point to his massive input over the last two seasons. He has won the league and proven his pedigree. Now, he needs to go for more significant challenges. He shouldn’t stay where he is too comfortable—he needs a bigger stage to continue his development.”
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“For me, the right time for Osimhen to move is now. He has reached a level where he risks becoming too comfortable. To truly know if he is still improving, he needs to test himself against greater challenges. He has the personality and the pedigree to succeed at a major European giant.”
Real Madrid links emerge
Osimhen has recently been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, with reports suggesting he is among the players José Mourinho would like to bring to the Spanish giants should he eventually take over as manager.
Mourinho has long admired the Nigerian striker, having followed his rise closely during their time in Italy, when Mourinho was in charge of AS Roma and Osimhen starred for Napoli.
The Portuguese coach has previously spoken glowingly about Osimhen, comparing him to Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire legend. Mourinho has also stated that if he joins a club with sufficient financial resources, Osimhen would be a player he would want to sign.
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Elijah believes the striker has all the qualities needed to thrive at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“For me, honestly speaking, you see, Osimhen can play and succeed in any team in the world as long as he will control his emotions. Osimhen is a complete athlete, a complete footballer. He has the energy, he’s young, you know, he has the passion for the game, he’s very strong, and he can score goals. So for me, Osimhen, I think he can play in any league, for any team, and he will perform. So Real Madrid would be a very good place for him,” he noted.
‘He has done it all at Galatasaray’
For Elijah, the biggest concern is complacency.
Having already delivered major domestic success in Turkey, he believes Osimhen must now challenge himself in a more competitive environment.
“He should leave the team because he has done it for them, he has seen it all, so that he will not lose form, because there is lack of competition in the team and the league. Let him go for a better challenges, where he can compete against the best,” he concluded.
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With Europe’s elite clubs expected to monitor his situation closely this summer, Osimhen’s next move could prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of an already remarkable career.
