Victor Osimhen, the highly coveted Nigerian striker, has been making waves at Galatasaray after a surprising move from Napoli. Despite a turbulent summer with rumors of a potential move to top European clubs or a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, Osimhen found himself on loan at one of Turkey’s most successful football clubs. His arrival, initially met with shock, has turned into a remarkable success, with the striker quickly becoming a key figure for Galatasaray.
Osimhen’s career took a dramatic turn after his fallout with Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis and a rocky 2023-24 season. The striker, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A title win in 2022-23, was left without a squad number at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. With a hefty release clause and a new contract at Napoli, his move to Galatasaray in September 2024 was an unexpected yet strategic choice.
Assistant manager Ismael Garcia Gomez spoke about Osimhen’s approach to his new club, highlighting his humility and commitment to fitting into the squad rather than demanding special treatment. “He came in a smart way, not as a typical star. He has been very humble and hardworking,” Gomez said. This attitude has helped Osimhen quickly adapt, scoring four goals in his last three matches, after an initial dry spell.
Galatasaray, fresh off winning consecutive Super Lig titles, has built a winning culture that Osimhen seamlessly fits into. The club, boasting big-name players like Mauro Icardi and Hakim Ziyech, is challenging for more silverware, and Osimhen’s presence adds a vital attacking threat. His adaptability, shown in recent tactical changes by coach Okan Buruk, has been key in ensuring that the Turkish champions remain at the top of the league.
The decision to join Galatasaray rather than a high-profile club in England or Saudi Arabia was a calculated one for Osimhen, who sought to play at the highest level while maintaining ambition. Turkish football journalist Kaan Bayazit noted that while other clubs could have offered more lucrative wages, Osimhen’s goal was to stay at the top of European football.
Looking ahead, the big question remains: how long will Osimhen stay in Turkey? His loan deal with Galatasaray includes a potential break clause, and with a hefty release clause at Napoli, a move to a larger European club could still be on the horizon. Galatasaray faces the financial dilemma of keeping Osimhen long-term, especially given their other investments, such as Mauro Icardi.
For now, Osimhen’s focus is on the present, and as Garcia Gomez put it, “hopefully this relationship remains.” But with his stellar performances and the ongoing transfer rumors, the Nigerian striker’s future is one to watch closely as he continues to shine at Galatasaray.
