Naples, Italy – Victor Osimhen’s potential loan move to Galatasaray is hanging in the balance, with Napoli insisting on contract guarantees before giving the green light. The Nigerian striker, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, is on the verge of joining the Turkish giants, where he would link up with star players like Mauro Icardi, Hakim Ziyech, and Michy Batshuayi.
However, this transfer saga is far from straightforward. Napoli’s coach has made it clear that Osimhen would not be part of the club’s plans moving forward, pushing the striker closer to the exit door. Despite this, Napoli is still demanding that Osimhen sign a contract extension until June 2027 before proceeding with the loan. The Italian club aims to protect their future interests, ensuring they maintain a strong negotiating position for any potential sale next summer.
This situation has sparked debate in the football community: Is Osimhen’s current predicament the result of being African, where many African players have historically been undervalued and underappreciated in European football? Or is this a case of miscalculation by his representatives, or even greed on the part of those involved in his previous transfer negotiations? These questions loom large as the deal inches closer to completion.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Galatasaray needs to finalize their squad list for the UEFA Europa League by tomorrow, and Osimhen is scheduled for a medical in Turkey, potentially as early as tonight—pending the crucial contract extension.
Osimhen’s current deal, signed in December 2023, is due to expire in June 2026. Napoli had initially planned to sell him this summer, but with failed negotiations involving Chelsea and Al-Ahli, the club now finds itself in a precarious position. If the loan goes through without an extension, Osimhen would return in June 2025 with just a year left on his contract, significantly weakening Napoli’s leverage in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s transfer activity has been robust this summer, with notable signings such as midfielder Gabriel Sara and defender Elias Jelert. The addition of Osimhen would be a significant boost to their attacking lineup, already featuring Icardi, Ziyech, and Batshuayi, as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the Turkish Super Lig after falling short in the Champions League qualification.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli from Lille in 2020, has been a key player for the Italian club, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances. His contributions were crucial in Napoli’s historic 2022-23 Serie A title win, their first in 33 years. Despite a dip in form last season, he remains one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Osimhen, Napoli, and Galatasaray to see if the final hurdles can be cleared in time.
Victor Osimhen Joins Galatasaray on Season-Long Loan from Napoli
Victor Osimhen finally secured a season-long loan move to Galatasaray from Napoli after an unsuccessful bid to find a permanent transfer during the summer window. Antonio Conte sidelined the Nigerian striker throughout the summer amidst speculation linking him to Chelsea and Al-Ahli.
With a sale failing to materialize before the transfer deadline, Osimhen opted for a temporary switch to the Turkish giants, where he will remain until the end of the 2024/25 season. The deal does not include a purchase clause, but there is reportedly an option for Osimhen to leave Galatasaray as early as January if a club activates his newly reduced release clause, set at €75 million.
Osimhen will don the No. 45 shirt for his new club, with his debut potentially coming after the international break on September 14, when Galatasaray takes on Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.
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