Victor Osimhen set to acquire Turkish club Istanbulspor

Victor Osimhen’s ties to Turkish football could soon extend beyond the pitch, with reports indicating the Galatasaray forward is plotting to acquire Istanbulspor, one of the country’s oldest clubs.

Turkish media reports suggest Osimhen is keen to establish a “football bridge” between Nigeria and Türkiye, positioning Istanbulspor as a hub for developing and transitioning young African talent into European football.

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Founded in 1926, Istanbulspor currently compete in the TFF First League after fluctuating between divisions, including spells in the Süper Lig. 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.

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Osimhen’s vision is the creation of a football academy in Nigeria focused on grassroots scouting and development. Emerging talents would then be funnelled through Istanbulspor, gaining competitive experience before moving on to bigger European leagues.

The model would effectively turn the Turkish club into a strategic development centre with direct links to West African talent, creating a structured pipeline from Nigeria to Europe.

The reported move comes during a prolific phase in Osimhen’s career, following successful spells across Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy, where he rose to prominence with Napoli before his move to Turkey.

While still relatively rare, active players investing in club ownership is becoming an emerging trend globally, as elite footballers increasingly channel their wealth and expertise into long-term ventures within the sport.

If completed, the deal would mark a significant step for the 27-year-old, underlining his ambition to influence football development beyond his playing career.