Victor Osimhen Named Turkish Super Lig’s Best Player by Hull City Boss Sergej Jakirovic

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has identified Victor Osimhen as the premier talent in the Turkish Super Lig, offering pointed praise for the Nigerian international’s influence at Galatasaray amid the Istanbul club’s push for a second consecutive league title.

Jakirovic, who guided Kayserispor in Turkey’s top flight last season before taking charge at Hull City — where he currently oversees Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi as the club pursues Premier League promotion — spoke from direct experience when assessing the league’s standout performer.

“Victor Osimhen is a fantastic player. When he’s absent, Galatasaray truly struggles; you can see the immediate impact he has on the pitch,” Jakirovic stated. The Hull City boss also referenced a pivotal encounter from last season: “Galatasaray had a difficult match against Kayserispor but managed to win and secure the championship in that game. Osimhen has an incredible mentality. Even with two weeks left in the season when most players might be thinking of vacation, he stayed and fought. That is what makes him such a valuable asset.”

Osimhen, 25, joined Galatasaray on loan two seasons ago and made an immediate mark. In his debut campaign, he contributed 31 goals and six assists across 34 appearances, playing a central role in the club’s league and cup double. This season, despite dealing with injury disruptions, the forward has sustained his clinical output with 20 goals and eight assists in 32 matches.

Galatasaray currently require only a victory against Antalyaspor to clinch another league title, a scenario that further underlines the significance of Osimhen’s contributions throughout the campaign.

The former Napoli striker’s performances in Turkey have reportedly attracted interest from some of European football’s most prominent clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, according to reports. No official bids have been confirmed, and Galatasaray’s position regarding any potential departure has not been formally disclosed. Retaining Osimhen beyond the current season is expected to represent a significant challenge for the club should that level of interest materialise into concrete offers.

Osimhen made his name at Napoli, where he was a driving force behind the club’s Serie A title win in the 2022-23 season — their first Italian league championship in 33 years. His move to Galatasaray on loan marked a temporary exit from Serie A after a difficult start to the following campaign under various managerial changes at the Naples club.

Jakirovic’s endorsement carries credibility given his direct involvement in the Turkish Super Lig last season, having faced Osimhen and Galatasaray in competition. His comments add to a growing body of opinion from within the game that positions the Nigerian as one of the more complete centre-forwards currently operating outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues.