Before joining the Super Eagles for their Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header against Benin and Rwanda, Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen is anticipated to finalize a loan move from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Despite ongoing transfer speculation throughout the summer, Napoli and Galatasaray have reportedly reached an agreement for the 26-year-old Super Eagles striker.
Transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio, yesterday revealed that Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, approved the conditions proposed by Galatasaray and that the he deal is expected to be a straight loan, with the Turkish club covering Osimhen’s entire salary for the duration of his stay.
Osimhen, who was excluded from Napoli’s Serie A squad list following the closure of the Italian transfer window, has also given his consent to the move.
This development, according to several Italian media, has prompted Galatasaray to accelerate their efforts to secure the striker’s services.
As per Foot Italia, the two clubs have finalised the details and conditions of the transfer even as Di Marzio claimed that only signatures and a medical, are missing from the deal.
It then emerged late yesterday that Osimhen was headed to Istanbul after Galatasaray reportedly booked a flight; after the former Lille striker agreed a loan move with Napoli even as he posted a cryptic Instagram Stories message.
It is a blank image, but the music from an old Nigerian song by General Prince Adekunle & His Supersonic Sounds ‘Awodi nfo soke’ and it is suggested this song reflects someone facing a struggle, but still confident that God will ultimately see them through!
Napoli are letting him leave for free as long as Galatasaray cover his €10m salary.
Galatasaray’s interest in Osimhen is part of their plan to switch to a 3-5-2 formation, potentially pairing the Nigerian with Mauro Icardi once the latter returns from injury in about a month.
This move could provide Osimhen with an opportunity to continue playing at a high level, while also offering a solution to the current impasse between the player and Napoli.
