Oshimen saga: Nigerian signs for Galatasaray, receives massive welcome from fans, backed by Nigerian players

Victor Osimhen has signed for Galatasaray, having missed a €160m contract opportunity with Al Ahli, and a move to Chelsea.

With the Turkish transfer window open until September 13, Osimhen has completed a straight loan with no option to buy, for the 24-time Turkish champions.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis accepted Galatasaray’s terms and approved the move. It will be a straight loan, with the player’s salary paid by Gala. The Nigerian striker’s salary, approximately a €11m, would be entirely covered by the Turkish club.

Oshimen reportedly turned down a switch to the Saudi Pro League, as Napoli could not come to agreement with Chelsea. The Nigeria international has flown to Turkey and would join former Napoli forward, Dries Mertens, while replacing injured Mauri Icardi.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli’s delay in allowing Osimhen to leave came due to negotiations over a new deal. The new compromise is said to include an extension until 2027 on the same wages. Also with a lower release clause of £67.4m if the Partenopei can’t make a sale by June 2025.

Napoli were after the extension to ensure they wouldn’t be welcoming Osimhen back with just a year left on his deal, thus reducing their bargaining power. Player and club now appear to have reached a compromise, with Osimhen also getting his wish of a break clause.

That clause means he can cut short his loan in January if one of 10 unnamed clubs come in. If the striker completes a permanent move in January then Galatasaray would also receive a fee.

However, Victor Osimhen was given a raucous welcome to Galatasaray before even completing his switch. He was greeted by flare-wielding fans and chants late into the night after he landed in Turkey.

The Nigerian striker gave some back too, donning a Galatasaray scarf and leading the fans in a chant.

Galatasaray streamed their own live video of his arrival into Istanbul on their YouTube account.

Nigerian footballers have weighed in on the situation, voicing steadfast support for their international teammate, amid his transfer saga.

Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi offered a reassuring message to his friend and Super Eagles teammate.

“For what Victor Osimhen has done for Africa and for what he has done for the world and for himself, I strongly feel he deserves the best of everything. He deserves the best opportunities, the best for himself, and the best for his family. He is my very good friend, and he is someone I am very proud off based on what he has achieved.

“I have complete confidence in whatever decision he makes. He is a strong guy with a strong mentality, I just have to wish him all the best, whether here or somewhere else”, the former Liverpool striker told Flashscore.

Stanley Nwabali also rallied behind Victor Osimhen, taking to social media to encourage his international teammate.

“All great legends and all Hall of Fame fighters have their storylines. Good, bad and worst kinds of views from people who have no idea what the real story is and what it takes. I would define a myth as a story that has survived. VO9,” he wrote on X.

Odion Ighalo also expressed his shared pain for Oshimen on social media.

“No human being is perfect and we have all made mistakes in life, but seeing comments about this young man from his own country people makes me really sad, without even knowing what happened. I spoke to him and I can feel the pain in his voice, the way he’s been treated, this young man plays with heart and pains for his country, Hmmm it is well, he will definitely be back stronger, we learn every day in life”, he posted on X.

Following his move to Turkey, Oshimen reacted enthusiastically, having taken a step closer to getting back on the pitch after an exile from Napoli. He also relished reuniting with fomer teammate, Mertens.

“The atmosphere is incredible. It’s great to be here and to see Mertens again. I spoke to him before coming here,” Osimhen said, via Corriere dello Sport.

Osimhen’s remarkable goal-scoring record of 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances was crucial to Napoli’s title victory two seasons ago, ending their 33-year wait for the Italian top-flight crown.

He also became the first African player to win the prestigious Italian Serie A Golden Boot award, the ‘Capocannoniere’.