Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray jersey number revealed: Not 99

Victor Osimhen’s highly anticipated move from Napoli to Galatasaray is on the brink of being officially confirmed, with the Super Eagles striker already assigned a kit number, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward, who has become a sensation across Europe, is set to embark on a new chapter in Turkey after a dramatic summer transfer saga.

Osimhen, who is joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan, received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival in Istanbul.

Tens of thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets to greet the Nigerian striker. This move represents a crucial step for Osimhen, who was at risk of being sidelined at Napoli, following a summer of uncertainty.

Ahead of the official announcement, Turkish giants Galatasaray have already started selling Osimhen’s jerseys.

The club’s web store has revealed that the Nigerian star will don the number 45 shirt for the Turkish champions, as per Tutto Napoli.

A few online reports had suggested Osimhen would be assigned the number 99 in Istanbul. 

Taking up jersey 45 is a significant change from the number 9 jersey he wore at Napoli, where he was the club’s top scorer. Romelu Lukaku, who recently joined Napoli, is expected to take over Osimhen’s former number 9 jersey.

The move to Galatasaray comes after a transfer window full of twists and turns.

Osimhen was heavily linked with both Al Ahli and Chelsea, with the Saudi Pro League side reportedly having a £67.3 million bid accepted by Napoli. However, the deal fell through, leaving Osimhen’s future uncertain.

Chelsea, on the other hand, failed to meet his wage demands, leading to his omission from Napoli’s Serie A squad for the first half of the season.

In a surprising turn, Galatasaray swooped in with an offer to take Osimhen on loan, agreeing to cover his €10 million annual salary.

The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 13, allowing Galatasaray to secure the services of the prolific striker.

It has also emerged that Osimhen negotiated a break clause in his contract with Galatasaray, which applies to ten specific clubs.

If any of these unnamed clubs submit an offer in January, Osimhen will be permitted to leave.

Additionally, Osimhen has reportedly requested that his release clause at Napoli be reduced from €130 million to €75 million, paving the way for a potential permanent move in the future.

The Super Eagles striker, who joined Napoli in a club-record £65.6 million transfer in 2020, scored 76 goals in 133 appearances, including 31 goals in the 2022/23 season, helping the club secure the Serie A title.