Victor Osimhen’s Transfer Saga: From Napoli Star to Galatasaray Loan

Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray signals an end to his turbulent spell with Napoli, where his time soured unexpectedly. Just a year ago, Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, was celebrated for leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

At 25, Osimhen’s reputation was at its zenith when he joined Napoli from Lille in July 2020 for a record fee of £73 million ($96 million), making him the most expensive African player ever. In his debut season, he scored 10 goals, but it was under coach Luciano Spalletti that Osimhen truly thrived, netting 31 goals across all competitions and securing the Serie A title in the 2022-23 season. His stellar performances earned him the African Player of the Year award in December 2023 and a lucrative new contract with Napoli.

Despite this success, tensions began to surface. Italian sports journalist Daniele Verri suggested that Napoli mishandled the situation by offering Osimhen a new deal, which included a £113 million ($148 million) release clause. Verri believed Osimhen should have left soon after the renewal to avoid deteriorating relations.

The departure of Spalletti, who left after the title-winning season, marked the start of Napoli’s decline, finishing 10th the following year. Osimhen, who missed part of the season due to injury and international commitments, struggled to maintain his previous form. Italian football expert James Horncastle noted that Osimhen’s value had diminished, partly due to his inability to replicate his championship season.

With Antonio Conte appointed as Napoli’s new coach, the situation worsened. Conte, who sought to bring Romelu Lukaku to the club, sidelined Osimhen, excluding him from the squad and stripping him of his number nine jersey. The strained relationship with Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, exacerbated the issue, with both parties searching for a resolution.

Chelsea, another potential suitor, explored options for Osimhen but ultimately decided against a deal due to strict wage policies and the high transfer fee. Similarly, while Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia showed interest, negotiations faltered when Napoli increased the asking price at the last minute.

Now, Osimhen has turned to Galatasaray, a move facilitated by Turkey’s extended transfer window, which remains open until September 16. At Galatasaray, Osimhen will reunite with former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens and follow in the footsteps of his idol Didier Drogba, who played for the club in the 2013-14 season.

The loan move to Galatasaray includes a mid-season break clause, allowing Osimhen a potential return to a top European club in January if his performance merits it. In the meantime, Napoli is expected to extend his contract to maintain his value for a future sale.

For Osimhen, the move to Galatasaray represents an opportunity to regain form and restore his reputation, while also impacting Nigeria’s international prospects. As Peter Odemwingie, former Nigerian striker, noted, Osimhen’s success in Turkey could pave the way for future opportunities and benefit Nigerian football as a whole.