Victor Osimhen, the talented Nigerian striker who played a vital part in Napoli’s Serie A victory in the 2022-23 season, has opted for a fresh start after he recently made a loan move to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The transfer has been confirmed by both Napoli and Galatasaray, following a summer filled with transfer rumours and unexpected twists in Osimhen’s career.
Osimhen, 25, was rumoured to be on the radar of Premier League side Chelsea before the English transfer window closed last Friday. Al-Ahli, a Saudi Arabian club, has shown significant interest and is rumoured to have put forward a highly attractive offer. Surprisingly, Osimhen decided to make a move to Turkey instead, aiming to revive his career with Galatasaray.
Napoli Contract Extension
As Osimhen heads to Turkey, Napoli has taken a proactive step to secure their future by extending his contract until June 2027. The extension suggests that the Italian club remains confident in the striker’s potential, despite a difficult season in Serie A last year. Osimhen scored an impressive 15 goals during Napoli’s challenging season, which saw them finish in 10th place, a significant drop from their previous title-winning campaign. The club faced additional challenges due to frequent changes in coaching staff, with three different coaches leading the team during the season.
Napoli experienced a new era with the arrival of Antonio Conte, the former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham. Conte made an impactful decision by acquiring Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for £30 million, which could indicate a change in the club’s approach to attacking. Given Osimhen’s recent dip in form, it seemed like a temporary exit from the club could be a reasonable choice for both parties involved.
A Challenging Transfer Saga
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray follows a challenging period for the striker. According to reports, the Nigerian international ended his professional relationship with his agent, Roberto Calenda, following an unsuccessful attempt to transfer to either Al-Ahli or Chelsea. Osimhen has switched his representation for the second time in two years, suggesting a period of considerable change in his professional life.
It is worth noting that Osimhen took charge of the negotiations with Galatasaray himself, with the help of intermediary George Gardi. Based on recent reports, it seems that the striker is becoming more involved in managing his own career, as he has made some significant decisions and has reportedly lost trust in a number of close associates in Nigeria.
A Fresh Start in Turkey
The addition of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray’s team is a major achievement. The club is optimistic that the Nigerian will regain the dynamic performance that established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. Osimhen has showcased his exceptional talent by scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli. His remarkable 26-goal season played a crucial role in securing the club’s first Serie A title in over 30 years. This is a testament to his ability to excel in top-level competition.
Osimhen’s journey to Turkey will undoubtedly captivate the attention of many, as they eagerly observe his transition to the Süper Lig and anticipate a resurgence of his formidable skills that were on display during his time in Italy. The loan move for Napoli provides an opportunity to evaluate their attacking options under Conte, while also ensuring the club retains a valuable asset for the future.
