Galatasaray Targets Nicolas Jackson as Plan B if Osimhen Deal Stalls
Turkish champions Galatasaray have identified Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a strong alternative should their ambitious move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen fall apart, according to a report by Fanatik.
With Osimhen’s €75 million release clause posing a significant hurdle—and interest from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United intensifying—Galatasaray is actively exploring other options to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Jackson Emerges as a Top Contender
The 23-year-old Senegalese striker, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, is now considered a “valuable opportunity” by Galatasaray’s technical team, who are impressed by his pace, finishing, and consistency.
The Turkish giants have reportedly begun to gauge interest from Chelsea, signaling the possibility of opening official talks if their pursuit of Osimhen proves unsuccessful.
Jackson enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring 14 goals across all competitions, and is reportedly open to a move where he can play a more prominent role—something Galatasaray’s Champions League participation could offer.
Osimhen Deal Growing Complicated
Victor Osimhen’s future remains up in the air as Manchester United and Chelsea circle the Nigerian striker. However, the steep €75 million release clause and Napoli’s reluctance to negotiate below that figure have complicated matters for Galatasaray.
Adding to that, Chelsea may prefer to wait until August in hopes of negotiating a more favorable deal for Osimhen—who remains their own long-term target.
If Galatasaray miss out on the Nigerian forward, club insiders suggest they are ready to pivot swiftly to Jackson, who currently holds a market valuation of €50 million, per Transfermarkt.
European Ambition Could Tip the Scales
Galatasaray’s regular involvement in European competitions, especially the UEFA Champions League, could play a decisive role in convincing Jackson to consider a switch. The Turkish side views the Senegalese international not just as a fallback option, but as a top-tier reinforcement in his own right.
