Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who has taken European football by storm, is on the verge of a sensational return to Galatasaray after completing a medical following a €75m (£65m) agreement between the Turkish giants and Napoli. The deal, which includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the Italian club, marks a significant moment in the transfer market, with Osimhen turning down lucrative offers from top European clubs and the Saudi Pro League to rejoin the Süper Lig champions.
Last summer, Chelsea were heavily linked with the 26-year-old forward, with football.london reporting that the Blues made a late push to secure his signature on a season-long loan with an obligation-to-buy clause. Despite their efforts, negotiations with Napoli collapsed at the eleventh hour, leaving Osimhen sidelined by Napoli’s manager Antonio Conte. Undeterred, the prolific striker rejected an “extortionate” offer from Saudi Arabia and opted for a loan move to Galatasaray, where he quickly became a fan favourite.
Osimhen’s impact in Istanbul was nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring in 30 Süper Lig matches last season, he scored an impressive 26 goals and provided five assists, playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s third consecutive league title. His heroics didn’t stop there—Osimhen netted a brace in the Turkish Cup final against Trabzonspor, securing a domestic double for Okan Buruk’s side. His performances have cemented his status as a cult hero at RAMS Park, and now, the Nigerian star is set to make a triumphant return.
According to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Osimhen fought hard to secure his move back to Galatasaray, urging Napoli to accept the Turkish club’s fifth offer. The deal, now in its final stages, awaits only the formalities after Osimhen successfully completed his medical. Fans are eagerly anticipating his second debut for the Lions in a pre-season friendly against Cagliari on Wednesday evening.
Despite interest from two unnamed top European clubs and persistent offers from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Osimhen’s heart remained with Galatasaray. Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, speaking to News Central TV as quoted by Complete Sports, encouraged Osimhen to consider a move to Al-Hilal, noting that Saudi offers would always be on the table. “Whatever decision he makes, it’s a win for him,” Ighalo said, praising Osimhen’s work ethic and maturity. However, Osimhen’s decision to prioritise Galatasaray underscores his desire to continue his remarkable journey in Turkey.
Elsewhere, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported in June that Manchester United explored a player-plus-cash deal involving Joshua Zirkzee to bring Osimhen to Old Trafford. The Red Devils, hesitant to meet Napoli’s €75m release clause, ultimately failed to finalise a move. Meanwhile, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk dismissed rumours of a Saudi transfer in May, telling I Just Spoke (as quoted by NTV Sport): “Osimhen is living the best days of his life here. He’s made an incredible contribution, and we’re hopeful he’ll stay with us.”
As Osimhen prepares to don the Galatasaray shirt once more, the transfer saga that captivated the football world has reached its climax. Chelsea may have missed out, but for Galatasaray fans, the return of their talismanic striker is a cause for celebration. With the new season on the horizon, Osimhen’s firepower promises to keep the Lions roaring.