In a significant development reshaping the European football landscape, Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen has officially completed a permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray from Italian club Napoli, marking the culmination of his successful loan spell.
This pivotal move sees the 26-year-old commit to a four-year deal with the Istanbul-based club. Financial details confirm a substantial agreement between the two clubs, with a transfer fee of €75 million (£64.8 million; $85.6 million) alongside a 10 percent sell-on clause retained by Napoli. Osimhen’s new contract at Galatasaray includes an impressive annual salary of €15 million, complemented by a net loyalty bonus of €1 million.
Osimhen’s impact during his loan stint with Galatasaray was undeniable. He delivered a phenomenal season, netting 37 goals across 41 appearances. His prolific scoring was instrumental in their campaign, including six crucial goals in the Europa League, directly contributing to Galatasaray retaining their Turkish Super Lig title.
The forward’s departure from Napoli comes as he entered the final year of his previous contract, which was most recently extended in December 2023. His future at the Italian club had been a subject of widespread speculation prior to this definitive transfer.
Napoli had already begun planning for life without their talismanic striker. Last summer, the Serie A side secured Romelu Lukaku as their starting No. 9 following the appointment of Antonio Conte as head coach. Furthermore, Italy international striker Lorenzo Lucca recently joined Napoli on loan from Udinese this month, signaling a clear strategic shift.
Prior to this move, Osimhen attracted considerable interest from top European clubs. Chelsea was among the prominent suitors last summer but ultimately failed to reach an agreement during the previous transfer window. Similarly, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli also pursued a deal for the Nigerian international before ultimately signing Ivan Toney from Brentford.
Osimhen’s professional journey began at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in his native Lagos before he transitioned to German football with Wolfsburg in January 2017, making his senior debut later that May.
He subsequently enjoyed a highly successful loan period with Belgian Pro League club Charleroi during the 2018-19 season, scoring 20 goals in 36 games, which led to Charleroi activating their option to buy him permanently. However, his tenure there was brief as he swiftly moved to Lille in August 2019, where he continued his impressive form, scoring 18 goals in his solitary season in France.
His move to Napoli in 2020 marked a significant chapter in his career, culminating in an outstanding record of 76 goals and 18 assists over four seasons for the Italian club. Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic 2022-23 Serie A title triumph, their first in 33 years, by scoring 31 goals across all competitions before adding 17 more for the Italian club in the 2023-24 season.
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