Osimhen rejects Galatasaray's number 9 offer
It has been reported that Victor Osimhen, who was offered the number 9 jersey by the Galatasaray management, declined the change, stating, "45 has brought me luck."
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A jersey number agenda emerged at Galatasaray ahead of the new season. It was reported that the yellow-red management offered the number 9 jersey, which became vacant after the contract with Mauro Icardi was not renewed, to Victor Osimhen, but the Nigerian striker did not accept the proposal.
According to the report, club officials prepared a jersey with "9-Osimhen" on it and met with the star player. However, Osimhen did not want to give up the number 45, which has become synonymous with his performance at Galatasaray.
It was stated that the yellow-red administrators conveyed to the player that a change in jersey number would also reflect on potential sales planning at GS Store. During this meeting, Osimhen reportedly said, "I assume you will sell more jerseys, but I think you will understand me. Number 45 has brought me luck at Galatasaray. I want to continue with the same jersey."
It was stated that the Galatasaray management received the star player's decision with understanding. It was recalled that Osimhen wore number 45 for the first time in his career during his time at Charleroi, where he drew attention with 20 goals for the Belgian team.
The Nigerian forward later preferred the number 7 jersey at Lille and the number 9 jersey at Napoli. It was noted that Osimhen, who put on the number 45 jersey again at Galatasaray, displayed a significant performance with 37 goals last season.
On the other hand, it was reported that head coach Okan Buruk is considering giving Osimhen captaincy responsibilities in the new season. It was stated that in matches where Abdülkerim Bardakcı is not on the field, Osimhen is among the names who could wear the armband, alongside Kaan Ayhan, Yunus Akgün, and Barış Alper Yılmaz.