- 2023 African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen has been the talk of the transfer window as it closed a few days ago
- After being left out of the Napoli squad and unable to secure a transfer, the 25-year-old Nigerian is at a crucial juncture in his career
- Galatasaray has made a loan move for the striker but it remains to be seen if the move is a quick fix or a new dawn
Victor Osimhen’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past couple of seasons, he has cemented himself as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, with a record of 48 goals in all competitions for Napoli in just two seasons. His overall tally in Italy stands at an impressive 76 goals in 133 games, a statistic that has seen him linked with some of the world’s biggest football clubs.
However, despite his strength, creativity and skillfulness on the pitch on the pitch, Osimhen’s future has been shrouded in uncertainty. Napoli’s asking price north of £100 million made potential suitors hesitant, with only a few clubs, including Chelsea and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, showing serious interest.
Yet, negotiations with the Blues fell through due to disagreements over personal terms, and Osimhen’s preference to remain in Europe ruled out a move to the Middle East, where Al-Ahli eventually signed Ivan Toney instead.
This series of events left Osimhen in a difficult position, stranded in Naples without a clear role at the club. Napoli boss Antonio Conte, a manager with a reputation for decisiveness from his time at Chelsea and Tottenham, confirmed that the Nigerian striker was no longer part of the Serie A club’s plans.
Consequently, Osimhen has not been included in the squad this season, which is a blatant freeze-out.
With most of Europe’s transfer windows closed, Osimhen’s options are now very limited. Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope, as Turkish outfit Galatasaray reportedly wants to offer him a lifeline.
The Turkish Super Lig, which historically remains open for transfers even weeks after the general European window closes, presents a viable option for players like Osimhen who are seeking a resolution to their uncertain future.
According to transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Galatasaray is set to secure Osimhen on a season-long loan, with the club agreeing to cover his wages in full. While this deal may not be the ideal move Osimhen may have hoped for, it at least provides him with an opportunity to continue playing rather than languishing on the sidelines at Napoli.
The question then arises; is this move merely a temporary solution, or could it be the beginning of a new chapter in Osimhen’s career?
Galatasaray’s coach, Okan Buruk, is reportedly prepared to integrate Osimhen into his team, potentially shifting to a play of two strikers to accommodate both the Nigerian and current striker Mauro Icardi.
This tactical adjustment indicates that Osimhen is expected to play a significant role in the team, particularly in the Europa League, a competition that, while a step down from the Champions League, still offers a platform for Osimhen to showcase his talents and for his benefit attract more suitors.
Osimhen’s move to Turkey could also have implications for Chelsea, who might be encouraged by his temporary exit from Napoli to reignite their interest in the striker in the future. With the loan deal lasting until the end of the season, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will make a move for Osimhen in the January transfer window or wait until next summer when the market reopens.
Either way, if the Blues’ interest persists, a deal in the future cannot be ruled out.
The Turkish Super Lig has long been a place of escape for wantaway players from Europe’s bigger leagues, offering both decent quality and financial stability.
For Osimhen, a move to Galatasaray might not have been his first choice, but it could serve as a pivotal period in his career.
If he can adapt and thrive in Turkey, not only will he avoid being frozen out at Napoli, which will, of course, depreciate his market value, but he may also reignite interest from Europe’s elite clubs, paving the way for a potential return to the top tier of European football.
While Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray may appear to be a stopgap solution, it could very well be the door-opener for a bigger move and also to a more elite club.
All eyes will be on the Nigerian striker to see if he can again prove himself as one of Europe’s most formidable forwards.
Fans divided over Super Eagles Osimhen’s failed transfer to Chelsea
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Serie A club had initially secured Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, preparing for Victor Osimhen’s anticipated departure. The expectation was that Osimhen would sign with the Blues during the summer transfer window, with West London reportedly pursuing the Super Eagles forward throughout the offseason.
However, despite ongoing negotiations, a deal was never finalised.
