Galatasaray supporters gave Victor Osimhen a warm welcome in Istanbul at 3 a.m. as he completed his loan move from Napoli.
The Nigerian striker’s transfer, which was a major topic during the summer window, has finally concluded after much speculation.
Osimhen had been linked with several top clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, before deciding on a season-long loan to Galatasaray.
This move follows his exclusion from the Napoli team after Romelu Lukaku’s arrival, which raised worries about his playing time until January.
The loan agreement, set to last until June 2025, includes a £75 million release clause. Napoli can extend Osimhen’s contract until June 2027 if they do not sell him by June 2025.
Galatasaray will pay Osimhen’s £9-10 million salary, but the deal does not include a purchase option.
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in September 2020 for £79 million. During his time with the Italian club, he scored 76 goals and provided 18 assists in 133 games.
The striker is scheduled for medical tests on Tuesday morning, aiming to be registered for Galatasaray’s Europa League squad.
Galatasaray has a history of signing Nigerian players, with Henry Onyekuru and Oghenekaro Etebo among those who have played for the Istanbul-based club.
The Turkish team announced late Monday night that they had “started negotiations” with Napoli for Osimhen, a move they typically make when a deal is nearly complete.
