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Galatasaray Confirms Signing Of Nigeria Striker Victor Osimhen From Napoli
Turkish giants Galatasaray have completed the remarkable transfer of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, on loan from Napoli for the remainder of the season.
The 24-time Super Lig champions confirmed that they would be paying the Nigeria star a salary of six million euros for the 2024/25 season.
“When I heard about Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me. I knew that Galatasaray was big and felt like a family. (Henry) Onyekuru was already a friend of mine and he had told me about it before,” he said.
“(Dries) Mertens is like a big brother to me. I’m happy to be teammates with him again. I’m looking forward to meeting my other friends.”
Osimhen landed in Istanbul in the early hours of Wednesday morning to finalize a deal, just days after his potential transfers to Chelsea and Al Ahli fell through.
With most European transfer windows closing at the end of August, it looked like Osimhen would have to remain at Napoli despite being left out of the squad after his relationship with the club disintegrated over the previous 12 months.
However, with the Turkish transfer window still open, Galatasaray presented a loan offer for the player, which ultimately proved to be the ideal solution for everyone involved
“Victor is a very important transfer. Our expectations are very high, especially in our competition in Europe and Turkey. I am sure he will reciprocate. We are pleased to have such world-class players in our team. I wish him success,” Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek said.
How did Galatasaray get the deal done?
Osimhen signed an extension to his contract with Napoli until June 2027 before completing his temporary switch.
A statement from the Italian club read: “SSC Napoli announces that it has temporarily transferred the sporting performances of the footballer Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray until 30 June 2025.
At the same time, the club has reached an agreement with the player for an option, in its favor, to renew the contract until June 30, 2027.”
Galatasaray is currently in second place in the Super Lig, one point off rivals Fenerbahce, but with a game in hand. They will also take part in the Europa League this season.
