Just arrived: Turkish side Galatasaray and Napoli agree loan deal for Osimhen
Turkish club Galatasaray has reached an agreement with Italian club Napoli to acquire Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on a season-long loan before the Turkish transfer window closes. The Nigerian striker, who has been in good form for Napoli, has been linked with a possible loan move to the Istanbul-based club after a dispute with the club on the final day of the transfer deadline following moves to Saudi Arabia and Chelsea, but failed. Renowned football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that negotiations between the parties are ongoing and all teams are working to finalise a deal.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the report on Monday, noting that the deal does not include an option to sign the Nigerian player permanently after the loan. “Galatasaray has agreed to cover 9-10 million euros in Victor Osimhen’s salary until the end of the season.” The loan agreement agreed with Napoli does not include a buy option/commitment clause. “Napoli has accepted these conditions, therefore the loan will be for one year, with wages covered. Gaara’s delegation will meet with Osimhen in Napoli in the coming hours to give the final go-ahead for the transfer,” Romano tweeted. With Europe’s top five leagues closing their transfer windows, Turkey remains one of the few options for clubs looking to sign a short-term deal, and Galatasaray seems keen to take advantage of the opportunity. Napoli’s decision to drop Osimhen from the team has raised speculation about his future.
The Serie A side seem keen to keep the striker out of action until the transfer situation is resolved. The Italian club’s title ambitions remain high and they may be weighing their options carefully, but a possible loan move to Galatasaray is now on the table. The urgency of signing a striker has increased even more for Galatasaray following the injury to Mauro Icardi. The departure of the Argentine striker, who was an integral part of the team’s attack, has left a gaping hole in their attacking line. As a result, the Turkish champions have turned their attention to Osimhen as a likely option to bolster their attacking power.
The club is even considering a tactical change to a 3-5-2 formation, allowing Icardi and Osimhen to play together once they are fit again. Osimhen’s possible move to Galatasaray would be a major coup for the Turkish team. The 24-year-old striker is one of the hottest talents in European football and has attracted interest from several top clubs. His powerful style of play, precise finishing and ability to lead the back line have made him a target for many, but a permanent move has not materialised so far due to Napoli’s high price tag. However, a loan deal could be a temporary solution for all involved. Interestingly, Saudi Arabian clubs, who are active in the transfer market, seem to be lagging behind in this pursuit. Clubs such as Al Ahly, who had previously expressed interest in Osimhen, have withdrawn their offers, noting that they are already well-placed in the striker department.
This leaves Galatasaray as one of the few remaining clubs with a realistic chance of signing the Nigerian striker. With Turkey’s transfer window set to close on September 13, Galatasaray is racing against time to land Osimhen. The club management is reportedly working around the clock to get the deal done, knowing that signing a talented player like Osimhen could significantly improve their season both domestically and in Europe. If the deal goes through, it will not only strengthen Galatasaray’s attacking options but also send a strong signal to rivals in Turkey and elsewhere. Victor Osimhen’s transfer saga has been one of the most talked about this summer. From potential moves to top clubs in England, Spain and Saudi Arabia to a possible move to Galatasaray, the striker’s future has been the subject of intense speculation. With the clock ticking towards the end of the Turkish transfer market, all eyes are on Istanbul to see if Galatasaray can complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Just arrived: Turkish side Galatasaray and Napoli agree loan deal for Osimhen
