'It is not normal' – Former Galatasaray assistant coach accuses Osimhen of dragging his feet

Former Galatasaray striker and assistant coach Necati Ateş has spoken candidly about the club’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen, suggesting that the Istanbul giants have exhausted all efforts to bring the Nigerian striker to Turkey.

Speaking to Radyospor, Ateş expressed his frustration with the delay in Osimhen’s decision.

"It is not normal for Osimhen to wait this long to make a decision,"  he was quoted as saying by habersarikirmizi.com.

"Galatasaray did everything they could for Osimhen. Nothing more will happen,”

Osimhen, who had an impressive loan spell with Galatasaray last season, played a key role in the club’s historic double-winning campaign. 

The 26-year-old striker scored 37 goals in all competitions, helping the club secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. 

His prolific form earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike, leading to strong calls for the club to make the move permanent.

Despite Galatasaray's clear interest and efforts, Ateş acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the striker’s future. 

"If Osimhen is not available, Galatasaray will get a very good centre forward; because it is not known how Icardi will return," he noted, referring to questions over Mauro Icardi’s fitness and form following injury issues.

Ateş also named Canadian international Jonathan David as a viable alternative. 

"Jonathan David is a centre forward at this level. Osimhen is a plus, Jonathan David is a... There are 4 or 5 A plus players in the world. It is very difficult to find an A plus player like Osimhen."

With the summer transfer window heating up, Galatasaray’s striking options remain a central focus, and Ateş’s comments underline both the club’s ambition and the challenges they face in securing top-tier talent.

Wale Adejumo

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