- Victor Osimhen is close to sealing a season-long loan move to Galatasaray, as reports confirm announcement is imminent
- The striker has requested the number 45 jersey, citing a personal conviction
- Sports journalist Buchi Laba confirmed the request, linking it to Osimhen's time at Charleroi
Ostracised Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is on the verge of completing a season-long loan deal from Napoli to Galatasaray. This move follows a summer filled with speculation about his future, with various clubs across Europe reportedly interested in his services.
According to well-known Nigerian sports journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, who goes by the alias Buchi Laba, tweeted that Osimhen has chosen to wear the number 45 jersey at his new club, a decision based on personal conviction.
Laba shared on X (formerly Twitter) that “ Victor Osimhen will be wearing number 45 at Galatasaray, he personally requested for that jersey number cos that was his good-luck number that he wore back at Belgian club Charleroi.”
While Osimhen was known for wearing the number 9 jersey at both Napoli and his previous club Lille, this change reflects a return to his roots. During his time at Charleroi, Osimhen donned the number 45, and it was under this number that he made a significant breakthrough in his career. His tenure at Charleroi marked a turning point, with the striker scoring 12 goals in 25 appearances, a performance that catapulted him into the European football spotlight and eventually led to his move to Lille.
At Napoli, Osimhen continued to wear the number 9 jersey, a number he also carries with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. However, his move to Galatasaray brings a change in that familiar setup.
The number 9 jersey at Galatasaray is currently occupied by Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, leading Osimhen to revisit his old lucky number. His return to the number 45 jersey symbolizes a desire to reignite the same success he experienced during his early days in Europe.
Osimhen is currently in Istanbul and is expected to join the Super Eagles camp later this evening as they prepare for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Benin Republic in Uyo.
His arrival at Galatasaray has already sent ripples through Turkish football, with fans eagerly anticipating his debut. Although Galatasaray has yet to officially confirm his jersey number, reports suggest that the number 45 will once again be a part of Osimhen's football journey.
Osimhen’s potential move to Galatasaray: A temporary solution or the beginning of a new chapter?
Previously, TheRadar reported that 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.
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.
