Galatasaray's Osimhen plans to buy Istanbulsporir

Victor Osimhen is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Istanbulspor, one of Turkish football's oldest clubs, in a move that would see the Galatasaray striker build a structured talent pipeline connecting Nigeria with European football.

The 27-year-old, who has recorded 19 goals and 7 assists in 29 appearances this season, is understood to be planning a development model centred on a dedicated football academy in Nigeria. The academy would handle grassroots scouting and elite player development, with Istanbulspor - founded in 1926 - serving as the competitive platform where those players gain senior minutes and visibility across European markets.

Istanbulspor has operated largely outside the spotlight in recent decades despite its near-century of history. Its modest financial position and profile make it a logical restructuring project: low entry cost, clear upside if the pipeline delivers consistent talent.

The move follows a growing trend of elite footballers entering club ownership while still active. Cristiano Ronaldo's recent investment in Almeria and other high-profile athlete-to-owner transitions have established the playbook. Osimhen's model is distinct, however, in that it targets the development pathway itself rather than a finished product.

If the deal materialises, he would be among the few African footballers to combine a top-level playing career with direct investment in the infrastructure that feeds it - a bridge between two footballing markets that have long been connected by talent but rarely by ownership.