- Chelsea renew interest in Nigerian ace
Turkish giants Galatasaray have put an end to speculation regarding a possible return of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to Serie A with Juventus.
The 25-year-old forward recently joined Galatasaray on a dry loan from Napoli after his hoped-for transfer to Chelsea in the Premier League fell through on the summer transfer deadline day, August 31.
But it emerged on Monday that the Old Lady of Italian football are now willing to enlist the services of the Nigerian.Calciomercato.com claimed that club director Giuntoli is on good terms with the striker and his agent Roberto Calenda, so the 25-year-old forward could be an option at the end of the season, especially if Dusan Vlahovic continues to struggle under Thiago Motta.
But Galatasaray vice president Ibrahim Hatipoglu has firmly shut down such rumours, stating unequivocally that there is ‘no possibility of Osimhen leaving the team in January.’
“There is no possibility of Osimhen leaving the team in January,” he stated matter-of-factly, adding Osimhen is more than happy in Turkey. “We are thinking of having him play with us next season as well. He will remain a Galatasaray player until June.
“The player demonstrates in every match how attached he is to the club. People play where they are happy. He has a contract with us until the end of the season.”
Hatipoglu went on to suggest that Galatasaray’s focus is on retaining Osimhen beyond his current loan deal: “We should rather think about how to continue with him in the coming seasons. It makes no sense to discuss whether he will leave during the mid-season break.”
The Turkish club secured Osimhen on a dry loan from Napoli, covering his €6 million salary.
Looking ahead to next season, Osimhen’s release clause with Napoli stands at €75 million plus taxes, but this is only valid for foreign clubs.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have reportedly renew Osimhen’s pursuit with talks beginning over a deal.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues have held ‘fresh talks’ with Osimhen’s representatives over a 2025 move to Stamford Bridge.
