Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed ambitious plans to purchase Turkish second-division club Istanbulspor as part of a bold vision to create a structured talent pipeline connecting Nigerian grassroots football to professional leagues in Europe, though the club and sources close to the player have poured cold water on the reports, denying any formal approach has been made.
The 27-year-old made the revelation during a livestream with Nigerian entertainer Carter Efe, explaining that his plan goes far beyond simply owning a club. Osimhen wants to create a system where young Nigerian players can be discovered at grassroots level, developed at home, and then transitioned to Europe through Istanbulspor. He also revealed plans to establish a Nigerian branch of the club that would compete in the Nigeria Premier Football League, from where promising local talents would move to Istanbulspor before targeting larger European clubs.
The idea mirrors Osimhen’s own journey. Growing up in Lagos, he understands the challenges young players face in finding opportunities. “I want to make that path easier for the next generation,” he said, describing a structured system that connects local talent directly to professional football in Europe.
Founded in 1926, Istanbulspor is one of Istanbul’s oldest football clubs, currently competing in the TFF First League after fluctuating between divisions. Their rich history and relatively modest status make them an attractive project for an investor looking to reshape a club’s identity without the financial demands of top-tier sides.
However, the club and those closest to Osimhen have moved quickly to temper expectations. Istanbulspor president Ecmel Faik Sarıalioğlu confirmed the club had received no formal approach. “We’ve seen reports that Osimhen is going to buy Istanbulspor. But as the club president, I can confirm we haven’t received any official confirmation,” he said. A source close to the striker, Buchi Laba, also dismissed the reports as “very fake and false” after the rumours gained traction on social media.
The announcement, however unconfirmed, has still drawn attention for what it represents. Very few Nigerian footballers have ventured into full club ownership. Eniola Aluko became a co-owner of an Italian women’s club, while Kunle Soname owns Remo Stars and a club in Portugal, and Shola Akinlade has built a football network with Sporting Lagos and investments abroad. Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha have both avoided outright club ownership, citing financial risks and structural challenges in African football — making Osimhen’s proposed move, if it materialises, one of the most significant steps taken by an active Nigerian player to merge investment with talent development.
The announcement comes as Osimhen recovers from a broken right forearm suffered during Galatasaray’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on March 18. He is expected to miss four to six weeks of action and has returned to Nigeria to focus on his recovery. Despite the injury layoff, he has still recorded 19 goals and seven assists from 29 appearances across all competitions this season for Galatasaray.
