Napoli’s Osimhen agrees to join Galatasaray
Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen has finally sealed a move to Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. The deal includes a buyout clause for a top European club to sign Osimhen permanently from January 2025 for a fee of €75 million.
Osimhen decided to join Galatasaray after he rejected a pay cut to move to Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea had been keen to sign the Nigerian but could not meet his wage demands. Additionally, Osimhen turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.
As part of the loan agreement, Galatasaray agreed to cover 100 per cent of Osimhen’s current wages at parent club Napoli.
The loan move to Galatasaray offers Osimhen the opportunity to continue his development in a competitive league and potentially secure a permanent transfer to a top European club in the near future.
With star forward Mauro Icardi out injured, Osimhen’s arrival is expected to bolster Galatasaray’s attacking options and give them a major boost in their pursuit of domestic and European success.
While Galatasaray would undoubtedly love to make the transfer permanent, the possibility of a bigger and more lucrative move to a bigger club looms.
Chelsea, who were interested in signing Osimhen this summer, are believed to be monitoring his situation closely and remain in talks with the striker’s agent.
Additionally, two leading Serie A clubs are also said to be circling the Nigerian striker.
Osimhen’s impressive performances for Napoli, where he became the highest-scoring African in the history of the Serie A en route to helping Napoli win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years, have made him one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
And having been the biggest story of the 2024 summer transfer window, it is highly likely that a fresh bidding war will ensue for his services in January.