In one of the most bizarre moves of the summer transfer window, Napoli willingly put their best striker up for sale and eventually loaned him to Galatasaray of the Turkish Süper Lig.
Over the previous seasons, Victor Osimhen had cemented himself as one of the best in the world and had a whole host of potential suitors. The league’s leading scorer as Napoli won a drought-breaking move, Osimhen scored 76 times in 133 appearances for the Italian side and a move to one of Europe’s elite appeared inevitable.
However, a breakdown in talks with suitors saw the window slam shut and Galatasaray swooped in given Turkey’s later deadline.
Now, it would have been easy for the Nigerian to go to Turkey and pout, but quite the
opposite is true. Osimhen has embraced the challenge and remained in fine form. Usually, form of this ilk would given his parent club something to think about, but Napoli have gone from strength-to-strength in his absence. It’s a move that has worked out for all parties.
Napoli right in the Serie A title race
This season, Serie A has been tremendously exciting. While traditional powerhouses Juventus and AC Milan have stuttered, Atalanta, Inter Milan, and Napoli have powered to the top of the league. Just six points splits the teams heading into the international break.
Antonio Conte has again proven himself as one of the top Italian managers around, and perhaps in the conversation of the world’s best. He’s chasing history this season, as Conte looks to become the first coach to win the Scudetto with three different clubs. The 55-year-old brought in a familiar face as his Osimhen replacement, reuniting with Romelu Lukaku. It’s been a shrewd move, with the Belgian leading the team in both goals and assists.
Conte has also been able to coax the best from Scott McTominay, who has six goals and two assists. Unwanted at Manchester United, the Scot has been given a new lease of life in Italy. Elsewhere, David Neres’ ability to attack the box, play the give-and-go, and find key passes has been invaluable.
Osimhen Continues to Perform to a Very High Level
Over in Turkey, Osimhen is having a fine season. The Nigerian has scored 26 goals in 30 games across all competitions, for a Galatasaray side nine points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the title race – and unbeaten. After a hat-trick against Antalyaspor on Friday. he’s now the leading scorer in the Süper Lig with 20 goals. Despite injury niggles, he’s fired regularly.
Galatasaray formasıyla ilk hat-trick! ⚽️⚽️⚽️
🌟 Victor Osimhen 🌟 pic.twitter.com/AonCWJI1KQ
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) March 16, 2025
Osimhen has been exceptional this season and suitors are not likely to be in short supply for the Super Eagle in the summer. Though Galatasaray would love to keep him, it’s difficult to see how the Turkish side afford a release clause of €75m (£61.9m). In the latest odds from the best betting sites in Nigeria, Chelsea are the frontrunners (4/5) to sign the Super Eagles striker after failed talks last summer. Paris Saint-Germain (7/2) and any Saudi Pro League side (8/1) are considered the next likeliest destinations.
For a far from unreasonable fee given exorbitant figures spent elsewhere, interested clubs could safeguard their forward line for the foreseeable future. A natural goalscorer with elite athletic capacity, Osimhen is one of the elite number nines in Europe.
The relative step down to Turkish football has done little to diminish that status. Still only 26-years-old, Osimhen’s been able to retain his value by continuing to put up great performances in the Europa League and Süper Lig. It’s worked out great for the player, in an environment that has appreciated his talent.
For Napoli, they’re seeing Osimhen appreciate in value while doing very well without him. He didn’t fit Conte’s system, so they could have let him rot on the bench for a season. Instead, Galatasaray has upheld his value.
As it turns out, loaning Osimhen to the Turkish champions was a superb move for both the Italian club and the striker.
Read – Osimhen set to announce transfer decision in April
See more – Osimhen unlikely to play ‘anywhere else but the Premier League next season’
Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok