Galatasaray are preparing to hand Victor Osimhen the club’s iconic No. 9 shirt and potentially the captain’s armband as part of an ambitious plan to keep the Nigerian striker in Istanbul ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Turkish champions are determined to fend off growing interest from several European heavyweights by placing Osimhen at the centre of their long-term project.
The Super Eagles forward has worn the No. 45 shirt since arriving from Napoli, with Mauro Icardi retaining possession of the No. 9 jersey throughout their time together at the club.
However, with Icardi expected to leave Galatasaray when his contract expires at the end of June, the famous shirt is set to become available.
Club officials are reportedly prepared to hand the number directly to Osimhen as a symbol of his status as the team’s leading figure.
The move forms part of a broader retention strategy designed to convince the 27-year-old to reject offers from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is said to have identified Osimhen as a priority target as the Premier League side seek a proven goalscorer for their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have also been linked with the striker.
Galatasaray signed Osimhen permanently from Napoli last year in a Turkish transfer-record deal worth €75 million and are understood to value him between €130 million and €150 million.
The club have already resisted interest from several top European sides.
Beyond the No. 9 shirt, Galatasaray are also considering handing Osimhen the captaincy following Icardi’s expected departure.
Club officials reportedly view the Nigerian international as the most influential figure in the dressing room and believe a leadership role could strengthen his bond with the club.
The captaincy plan was previously revealed by Turkish football pundit Ali Naci Kucuk, who noted that such a prominent leadership position may not be immediately available at clubs where established dressing-room hierarchies already exist.
Together, the No. 9 shirt and the captain’s armband represent Galatasaray’s strongest effort yet to make Osimhen the face of the club’s future.
Osimhen remains one of the team’s most important players. The striker scored 15 league goals and registered five assists in 22 appearances this season, while also contributing seven goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League matches before Galatasaray’s round-of-16 exit to Liverpool.
His performances have played a key role in the club’s back-to-back Turkish Super Lig title triumphs.
