Ayodele’s Prophecy or Football Reality? The Truth Behind Osimhen’s 4-Year Galatasaray Deal

Ayodele’s Prophecy or Football Reality? The Truth Behind Osimhen’s 4-Year Galatasaray Deal

By Austin Akpehe
CEO Galaxy Sports Development China

When Victor Osimhen put pen to paper on a four-year deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray, the football world reacted in mixed tones. Supporters hailed the move as a fresh challenge, while others questioned the decision of one of Africa’s brightest talents to swap the Serie A spotlight for the Süper Lig.

Among those weighing in was the Founder and Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Nigeria, Primate Elijah Ayodele, whose remarks sparked wide debate. The prophet who’s Known for his prophecies that on sports, took time to clarify his position in the wake of media misinterpretations.

“I don’t hate Osimhen, it is just warning, I didn’t say Osimhen will not shine, it is a misconception, people’s orientation, hate, people’s misuse of language. I am not apologetic, my statement is God directives… What I am saying is the four years deal is much, he will not enjoy it. He may have issues with the club, so let him retrace his steps… I only say the four years deal is not feasible, it is not doable. That is just that.”

From a pure football business standpoint, there is nothing unusual about Osimhen’s contract length. Clubs investing heavily in a player, both in transfer fees and wages, naturally seek to protect their asset. Long-term contracts offer that security and often help justify high salary packages.

Still, Ayodele’s warning cannot be dismissed entirely. Osimhen only recently emerged from a stormy contractual standoff with Napoli, a saga triggered when he opted to renew his deal and accept a significant pay rise despite having little more than a year remaining on his existing contract. That decision locked him into terms that later proved contentious and difficult to navigate.

On the field, Osimhen’s stock has rarely been higher. In 2023, he finished eighth in the FIFA Ballon d’Or rankings, recognition earned through his sensational displays in Serie A where he powered Napoli to a historic league title and became one of the most feared strikers in world football.

The key question now is whether the Turkish Süper Lig can provide the same stage to elevate his status further. Galatasaray are a powerhouse in their domestic competition and regulars in European tournaments, but Turkey is not among Europe’s top five leagues. The world’s best strikers, those in serious contention for Ballon d’Or glory, are typically plying their trade in the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, or Ligue 1.

A one or two-year stint in Turkey could have been a calculated move, enough time to dominate domestically, make an impact in continental competitions, and then secure a return to one of Europe’s most elite leagues. A four-year commitment, however, increases the risk of stagnation. If Osimhen seeks an early exit, the inevitable tug of war between player and club could mirror the turbulence of his final days in Naples.

History shows that great players not only need stability but also the right competitive environment to reach their peak. For Osimhen, the next four years are a pivotal chapter, an opportunity to cement his claim as the best striker in the world or risk fading from the conversation.

What remains clear is that both the faith-based warning from Primate Ayodele and the business realities of football point toward the same truth: in the modern game, contracts are both golden handshakes and golden cages.