The transfer saga surrounding Nigeria's star striker, Victor Osimhen has taken an unexpected turn, culminating in his impending loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
After a summer filled with speculation, failed negotiations, and a strained relationship with Napoli, the 25-year-old hopes to reignite his career in the Super Lig. But how did it come to this?
Thanks to reports from around the internet, we can now piece together a timeline of events that led Osimhen to the reigning Super Lig champions.
Napoli hold firm on Victor Osimhen release clause
As Napoli's talisman, the striker was expected to attract interest from Europe’s elite, and he did—just not in the way he had hoped.
Paris Saint-Germain were the first to express serious interest, and Osimhen reportedly agreed personal terms with the French champions.
However, Napoli’s rigid stance on the €120+ million release clause in the 25-year-old's contract saw PSG walk away from the negotiating table. Indeed, for almost the entirety of the window, the Italian side were intent on receiving that valuation in full, most obviously in order to finance their transfer business for new manager Antonio Conte.
Premier League side Chelsea, who were in the running, were also spooked by the figures quoted, but retained their interest.
Chelsea's charm offensive to facilitate Osimhen transfer
Two-time European champions Chelsea were keen on Victor Osimhen all summer, but lacked the financial might to meet the valuation due to the sheer volume of their transfer activity.
As such, the deal they proposed was to take the Nigeria international on loan, first with an option and then, later, with an obligation to buy. The former option was obviously unpalatable to Napoli who needed cash immediately, but with Romelu Lukaku favoured by Conte and set to move the other way, it was not dismissed outright.
However, Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda was adamant that his client did not want a temporary transfer. With bridges burnt at Napoli, the prospect of a return was an unpalatable one. In addition, even when an obligation was included, Chelsea were unable to offer a salary package that matched the striker's earnings at Napoli.
To bridge the gap, Chelsea leaned on legends like John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, both of whom leveraged close relationships with Osimhen to seek to influence a move to Stamford Bridge. This strategy ultimately proved insufficient, leaving only one more offer on the table going into the final week of the window.
Saudis enter the Osimhen transfer business, Napoli throw late curveball
As the window progressed, the saga only deepened.
Saudi Premier League side Al-Ahli would enter the fray, each offering substantial sums to lure the Nigerian away from Naples.
Despite initial reluctance on the Nigerian's part, his circumstances at Napoli eventually saw Victor Osimhen warm to the idea of a move to the Middle East. He agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli on a massive salary, with the understanding that his contract would include a break clause, allowing him to return to Europe after two seasons.
The Saudis also reached an €80 million agreement with Napoli, and it seemed that a resolution was near. However, after Al-Ahli signed Brentford striker Ivan Toney for a fee reported to be in the region of £40 million, Napoli raised their asking price at the last minute by another €5-10 million.
This move represented a deal breaker for the Saudis, who pulled out of the deal.
Galatasaray’s opportunity
With the European transfer window drawing to a close and tensions at Napoli reaching a boiling point, Galatasaray saw an opportunity.
The Turkish champions, keen to bolster their squad for both domestic and European campaigns, opened talks with Napoli over a potential loan deal for Osimhen.
The proposed move was unconventional but logical: a season-long ‘dry' loan, with no option or obligation to buy. Crucially, the agreement also included a January break clause, allowing Osimhen to leave Istanbul if a permanent offer that meets Napoli's demands materializes.
Crucially, it satisfied all parties.
To facilitate the loan, Osimhen signed a one-year contract extension with the Italian club, ensuring that his market value remains protected and eliminating certain unfavorable clauses in his previous deal. This extension was a strategic move, setting the stage for a potential high-profile transfer in the summer of 2025.
Osimhen transfer to Galatasaray: A new chapter
As Osimhen prepares for his medical, set for Tuesday, the focus now shifts to his performance on the pitch.
The reigning CAF Player of the Year has been training alone all summer, and Galatasaray will hope he can quickly integrate into a squad that boasts the likes of Mauro Icardi and former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens.
For Osimhen, the move to Galatasaray is a chance to put a tumultuous summer behind him and get back to what he does best—scoring goals. However, with the January break clause looming, his future remains uncertain.
Both Napoli and Galatasaray know that this loan deal is only a temporary fix. Come January, or perhaps next summer, the Osimhen saga could once again dominate headlines.
