Osimhen Now Worth €150m Following Napoli Exit, Galatasaray VP Claims

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, has seen his market value soar to over N239 billion (€150 million) following his high-profile move from SSC Napoli to Galatasaray SK, according to Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu. The revelation came after Osimhen starred in Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League win on Wednesday, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Kavukcu described Osimhen as the “crown jewel” of Galatasaray’s strategy to transform the Istanbul club into a global football powerhouse within five years. He said the club is no longer content with dominating Turkish football and aims to compete with Europe’s elite.

The 27-year-old striker has been exceptional since joining Galatasaray permanently for a €75 million transfer fee, scoring 15 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions. Kavukcu added that Osimhen’s performances have effectively doubled his market value, validating the club’s significant investment.

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On the business side, Kavukcu highlighted the challenges of securing Osimhen from Napoli, noting that President Aurelio De Laurentiis required assurance that the Turkish club could meet the financial demands. “Having succeeded is a source of pride because we have shown the power of our club,” he said.

The vice president also confirmed the club’s ambitions to strengthen the squad further. Galatasaray is pursuing Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu, with Kavukcu insisting that the deal is a matter of “when” rather than “if” despite previous bids being rejected. He emphasized that Calhanoglu, a Turkish international icon, remains a primary target for the club.

Kavukcu concluded by reiterating that Osimhen is one of the best centre-forwards in the world, and Galatasaray aims to achieve great success on both domestic and European fronts, with the Nigerian striker leading the line.

Osimhen Now Worth €150m Following Napoli Exit, Galatasaray VP Claims

Lookman Assist Powers Atletico to 7–4 Aggregate Win Over Brugge

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered a decisive impact off the bench as Atletico Madrid thrashed Club Brugge KV 4–1 at the Estadio Metropolitano to complete a 7–4 aggregate win and book their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

After a pulsating 3–3 draw in the first leg in Belgium, Atletico produced a commanding second-leg performance in front of their home supporters, blending tactical discipline with attacking ruthlessness.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Alexander Sørloth latched onto a precise long ball from goalkeeper Jan Oblak and calmly slotted past the Brugge keeper to make it 1–0. The visitors responded before the break, with Joel Ordóñez rising highest to head home an equaliser and briefly silence the home crowd.

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Atletico regained control almost immediately after halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Johnny Cardoso struck from range to restore the hosts’ advantage and tilt momentum firmly in their favour. Despite missing suspended Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Club Brugge enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a compact Atletico defence.

The contest turned emphatically in the 70th minute when manager Diego Simeone introduced Lookman. The Nigerian winger injected pace and directness into Atletico’s attack, stretching Brugge’s defensive lines.

Six minutes after coming on, Lookman made his mark. Combining intelligently with Sørloth and Antoine Griezmann, he displayed composure and awareness to square a perfectly weighted pass across goal, allowing Sørloth to tap home his second of the night. The assist effectively ended Brugge’s hopes of a comeback.

Sørloth completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, sealing an emphatic 4–1 victory and capping a dominant European night for the Spanish side.

For Lookman, the performance marked his seventh goal contribution of the season for Atletico, underlining his growing importance in Simeone’s squad. His late cameo included an assist and an impressive record in successful dribbles and ground duels during his 20-minute appearance.

The result sends Atletico Madrid confidently into the next round of the Champions League, while Club Brugge bow out after a spirited two-legged contest. With momentum building and squad depth proving decisive, Atletico now look ahead to the knockout stages with renewed belief.

Lookman Assist Powers Atletico to 7–4 Aggregate Win Over Brugge

Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial Over Alleged Rape in France

Achraf Hakimi rape allegation has taken a new legal turn as French prosecutors move to send the case involving the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender to trial.

The 25-year-old Morocco international, Achraf Hakimi, is facing the possibility of a criminal trial in France following a request by prosecutors after months of judicial investigation. However, the footballer has strongly denied the allegation, maintaining his innocence since the case first emerged in 2023.

The case began in February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman accused the PSG star of raping her at his residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. Although the woman initially declined to file a formal complaint, French authorities proceeded with an investigation based on her statements.

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Now, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office has formally requested that the matter be referred to a criminal court. The final decision rests with investigating judges, who will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with a full trial.

If the case goes to trial and a conviction is secured, Hakimi could face a significant prison sentence under French law. However, no verdict has been delivered, and the player remains legally presumed innocent.

Hakimi’s legal representatives have consistently rejected the accusation, previously suggesting it was an attempt at extortion. The defender has continued to feature for PSG and the Morocco national team throughout the investigation.

The development places renewed spotlight on the Achraf Hakimi trial proceedings, with legal observers noting that the decision of the investigating magistrates will be decisive in determining the next phase of the case.

For now, attention turns to the French judiciary as it weighs whether one of football’s high-profile defenders will stand trial in a French criminal court.

Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial Over Alleged Rape in France