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Turkish football pundit Ali Naci Küçük has revealed that Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk views Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu as an immediate first-team player, while also crediting Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen for playing a significant role in convincing the midfielder to join the Turkish champions.
Ugochukwu is on the verge of completing a move to Galatasaray after an impressive 2025/2026 campaign with Burnley.
Despite the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, the 22-year-old was one of the club’s standout performers.
The midfielder showcased his technical ability, physical presence and composure throughout the season, contributing three goals and two assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
His performances reportedly convinced Buruk and the Galatasaray hierarchy to pursue his signature during the summer transfer window.
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Speaking on the Dici Futbol YouTube channel, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi, Küçük disclosed that Galatasaray matched Burnley’s financial demands and that Buruk has no intention of using Ugochukwu merely as a squad player.
“Galatasaray management convinced Burnley to pay the same amount they offered Chelsea for Lesley Ugochukwu,” Küçük said.
“Okan Buruk sees Lesley as a starter, not just a rotation option. Osimhen also spoke via FaceTime and played a significant role in the transfer.”
The revelation further underlines Osimhen’s growing influence at Galatasaray, with the Nigerian forward reportedly helping to persuade Ugochukwu to make the switch to Istanbul.
Ugochukwu is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Monday evening to complete the necessary paperwork, undergo the remaining formalities and officially finalise his move to the Turkish giants ahead of the new season.
