Hakan Safi, a prominent member of the Fenerbahçe board of directors, has dropped a bombshell regarding the club’s failed attempt to intercept Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking transfer to arch-rivals Galatasaray. In a candid revelation, Safi disclosed that he was personally prepared to finance the acquisition of the Nigerian superstar during the summer of 2025 to prevent him from joining the “Yellow and Reds” on a permanent basis. Despite his willingness to provide the necessary capital, Safi claims his ambitious plan was ultimately vetoed by his fellow board members, who declined to sanction the move.
The missed opportunity has proven to be a significant turning point in the Turkish Süper Lig’s power dynamic. Following a highly successful loan spell, Osimhen officially committed his future to Galatasaray in a landmark €75 million deal from Napoli—a figure that shattered the previous Turkish transfer record. Safi’s frustration stems from his belief that the financial hurdles were surmountable and that the hesitation within the Fenerbahçe hierarchy allowed their rivals to secure one of the most prolific strikers in world football.
Reflecting on the internal disagreement during a discussion with Buzz Spor, Safi expressed his readiness to have single-handedly changed the course of the transfer window:
“I was going to finish the Osimhen transfer, I had the money ready, I was ready to pay. They didn’t tell me to go ahead.”
Since finalizing his permanent stay in Istanbul, the 27-year-old forward has been in sensational form, justifying Galatasaray’s massive investment by surpassing the 30-goal mark across all competitions this season alone. His clinical performances have not only propelled the club to the top of the domestic standings but also made them a formidable force on the European stage. For Fenerbahçe, Safi’s revelation serves as a stark “what if” scenario, highlighting a moment where the club could have potentially altered the landscape of Turkish football had they embraced his high-stakes proposal.
