Victor Osimhen has shared his excitement after completing his move to Galatasaray, vowing to give his best for the Turkish champions, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli, with the transfer officially announced on Wednesday.
Galatasaray will pay Osimhen €6 million ($6.65 million) for the 2024-2025 season, according to a club statement. The loan agreement with Napoli extends until June, with the Italian club retaining the option to extend Osimhen's contract until 2027.
Osimhen, 25, had signed a contract extension with Napoli last December, tying him to the club until 2026, with a reported release clause of €130 million.
In his first message to Galatasaray fans following the transfer, Osimhen took to social media, saying:
“Super excited to be part of the Galatasaray family! I can’t wait to give my all and make the most of this new journey with such an amazing group and the fans. Ready to create unforgettable memories together! Let’s go!”
https://twitter.com/victorosimhen9/status/1831438951598665783
Though linked with several high-profile moves, including an €80 million bid from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, Osimhen had reservations about leaving European football.
His temporary switch to Galatasaray offers him a chance to return to first-team action, after being left out of Antonio Conte’s 23-man squad at Napoli for the 2023-24 Serie A season.
Osimhen was a key figure for Napoli, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances since joining the club in 2020. His 26 goals in the 2022-23 campaign helped Napoli claim their first Serie A title since 1990, but injuries hampered his form the following season as the club struggled to a 10th-place finish.
Now, under the management of Okan Buruk, Galatasaray will hope Osimhen can replicate that form in Turkey.
The club, currently competing in the Europa League, has made a strong start to the domestic campaign, winning their first three matches and trailing Fenerbahce by just one point with a game in hand.
