Man United, Real Madrid lose big as Victor Osimhen set for Galatasaray medical

Galatasaray are on the verge of completing one of the biggest transfers in Turkish football history: the signing of Victor Osimhen.

This is as the Nigerian striker is set to undergo a medical on Wednesday ahead of a sensational permanent return to the Turkish champions.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a full agreement has been reached between Napoli and the Super Lig giants, with all paperwork signed.

The Super Eagles forward is now en route to Istanbul to finalise the move after a video surfaced on his Instagram story showing him at the airport before boarding a private jet.

The deal sees Galatasaray pay €40 million upfront, with an additional €35 million due next year, bringing the total package to a record €75 million.

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Napoli have also secured a 10% sell-on clause and inserted a clause that prevents Osimhen from joining any Serie A club, including Juventus, for the next two years.

This transfer concludes one of the most dramatic sagas in recent football history.

Osimhen, 26, was heavily courted by Europe’s elite clubs over the past two years. He came close to signing for Chelsea and PSG in 2024, while Arsenal and Manchester United were keen in 2023 following his Scudetto-winning season with Napoli. However, negotiations repeatedly fell through due to wage demands and other complications.

That failure has proven to be a major coup for Galatasaray, who took Osimhen on loan last season and watched him deliver one of the most dominant campaigns by a foreign striker in Turkish football.

The Nigerian scored 37 goals and contributed eight assists, claiming the Golden Boot, Player of the Season, and Goal of the Season awards. He also led Galatasaray to a domestic double, netting twice in the Turkish Cup final against Trabzonspor.

The decision to return permanently to Galatasaray has stunned many. With Osimhen at the peak of his powers, many expected a move to one of Europe’s financial and footballing powerhouses. But despite his incredible scoring numbers, most top clubs chose not to pursue the Nigerian, with reports citing his salary demands as a stumbling block.

Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray gain, Man United loss 

Osimhen's permanent switch to Galatasaray leaves plenty unanswered questions in the throat.

Following their triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup and the arrival of a couple of excellent attacking additions, Chelsea are right to snub Osimhen. Right? 

Did Arsenal make the right choice picking Viktor Gyokeres over Victor Osimhen?

Is Xabi Alonso truly convinced is Real Madrid strike force needs no further upgrade? 

Couldn’t Manchester United have found room for a proven goalscorer like Osimhen?

Man United's Osimhen snub is a true head-scratcher. 

Ruben Amorim’s side, despite adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, appear to still lack a truly world-class centre-forward capable of elevating their attacking play to the levels of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Osimhen, with his blend of power, pace, and predatory instinct, would have been the ideal solution.

At Real Madrid, new manager Xabi Alonso has been handed a frightening frontline with Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé. But the idea of Mbappé and Osimhen working in tandem, with Vinicius in support, would have made Los Blancos virtually unstoppable. That Plan A never materialised, and Madrid may come to regret letting Osimhen slip away.

Now, Galatasaray stand as the ultimate winners in this transfer drama. Osimhen returns to a club that adores him, fans who idolise him, and a league he dominated with authority. At 26, the Nigerian international is not only in his prime but also carrying the kind of form that could yet shake up the UEFA Champions League, especially with Galatasaray back in the group stages.

While it is difficult to not view this as a missed opportunity for Europe’s superclubs, for Galatasaray, it’s a masterstroke, securing one of the world’s best No. 9s against all odds.