Victor Osimhen and his girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig received a breathtaking, thousands-strong welcome after becoming the most expensive signing in Galatasaray’s history.
Super Eagles of Nigeria star Victor Osimhen has finally completed a permanent move from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray, in an astronomical €75 million transfer.
Osimhen, 26, officially landed back at Galatasaray with his girlfriend Stefanie Kim Ladewig and daughter Hailey True, and was greeted by a literal sea of adoring fans at Atatürk Airport’s General Aviation Terminal.
Osimhen’s Galatasaray arrival pulls more than 2 million viewers on YouTube
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Osimhen‘s return to Galatasaray was a spectacle of epic proportions.
His private plane touched down at Istanbul Airport at precisely 9:50 PM on Wednesday night July 30, after he was picked up in Germany by Galatasaray’s Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu via private plane, departing from Wolfsburg Airport.
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Victor Osimhen was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Galatasaray | Credit: Instagram
According to reports, thousands upon thousands of yellow-red clad fans, brimming with unbridled joy, had gathered to offer their hero the kind of welcome usually reserved for royalty.
Turkish outlet Zafer reports the sheer magnitude of the moment was underscored by Galatasaray‘s own YouTube channel, which broadcast the arrival live to an astonishing over 2 million viewers.
But amidst the chaos and jubilation, there was a heartwarming element that truly made this a family affair, pulling at the heartstrings of fans worldwide.
As mentioned earlier, by Victor‘s side was his elegant girlfriend, Stefanie Kim Ladewig, a constant pillar of support and a picture of quiet strength.
In a touching display of solidarity and commitment to his new (and old) club, Stefanie, 24, was photographed wearing a Galatasaray jersey while donning her usual braids.
And if that wasn’t adorable enough, she was seen carrying their precious daughter, Hailey True.
The little one, not to be outdone, wore her father’s iconic mask – a tribute to his on-pitch persona – alongside her own Gala jersey, perfectly emphasizing Osimhen’s deep, immediate connection to the club and its loyal fanbase.
This isn’t just a player, it’s a family committing to a new adventure, and the fans have already welcomed them with open arms.
Victor Osimhen: The face of Galatasaray’s grand ambition
Osimhen to Galatasaray isn’t just any transfer; it’s a €75 million deal, marking one of the biggest transfers in Turkish football history.
Galatasaray executive Abdullah Kavukçu, present at the airport, shed light on the financial muscle behind this audacious acquisition.
“We believed in this with our president and started in January. We worked very hard to raise the money, without selling any assets. We’re paying a certain amount upfront and will recoup the entire amount within a year,” Kavukçu confidently stated.
He continued, asserting Galatasaray‘s financial prowess: “We said Galatasaray had the capacity to pay this, and we did it. We achieved this without asking anyone for money!”
Osimhen in turn was full of gratitude after finally departing Serie A club Napoli.
“I don’t know what words to use to describe this. I feel amazing to be here. Look at the crowd, look at the people following the plane,” the Nigeria international was quoted to have said as per Bengu Turk.
He added: “I’m home. This is where I want to be. I’m happy to be here, to be back. I’d like to thank our president, Abdullah Kavukcu, George Gardi, Okan Buruk, and everyone who made my return possible.
“I’d also like to thank the fans who showed me they wanted me, who wanted me as much as I wanted them. I’m happy to be here. As I always say: The story continues. I’m happy to continue this story with Galatasaray”
As for the specifics, it is understood Napoli will receive €40 million upfront, with the remaining €35 million paid in installments until the end of 2026.
For his part, Osimhen is set to earn a hefty annual salary of €16 million.
With a detailed medical checkup scheduled for Thursday and a grand signing ceremony planned for Saturday at RAMS Park before a friendly against Lazio, the stage is now set for Osimhen to embark on what promises to be an electrifying new chapter in his already glittering career.
