Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international striker, has joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli in a deal finalized in early September 2024. Osimhen was expected to leave Napoli this summer but saw proposed moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Al-Ahli collapse for different reasons.
This move comes after a tumultuous summer where potential transfers to Chelsea and Al Ahli fell through due to financial disagreements. Napoli, under new management by Antonio Conte, had sidelined Osimhen, stripping him of his No. 9 jersey, which was handed to new signing Romelu Lukaku, and excluding him from the squad for their Serie A opener against Parma​.
Galatasaray’s offer provided a lifeline for Osimhen, who was eager to secure playing time and escape the strained environment at Napoli. The Turkish club has agreed to cover his full salary for the 2024-2025 season, which is estimated to be between €9 million and €10 million. The deal, however, is a dry loan, meaning there is no option or obligation for Galatasaray to purchase Osimhen at the end of the loan period.
As part of the agreement, Napoli negotiated a contract extension with Osimhen that includes a release clause of €75 million, down from the original €130 million. This clause allows Napoli to maintain some control over the player’s future and ensures they can demand a significant fee if Osimhen performs well and attracts interest from other clubs.
Additionally, there is a provision that could allow Osimhen to leave as early as January 2025 if a substantial offer is made by one of ten pre-specified clubs. In such a scenario, Galatasaray would receive a small compensation fee​.
Why Chelsea’s deal with Osimhen Collapsed?
The deal between Chelsea and Victor Osimhen did not go through due to financial disagreements, particularly over the player’s wage demands. Chelsea was interested in signing Osimhen, but they were unwilling to meet his salary requirements, which were considered too high by the club’s management. Despite the negotiations, the two parties could not reach an agreement on the financial terms of the contract, leading to the collapse of the deal.
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray was met with excitement in Turkey, with fans eagerly welcoming the striker upon his arrival in Istanbul. The transfer not only provides a fresh start for Osimhen but also bolsters Galatasaray’s attacking options as they aim to compete both domestically and in European competitions this season
This loan spell could prove pivotal for Osimhen, offering him the opportunity to regain form and showcase his talents on a new stage, while also allowing Napoli to potentially cash in on his value in the near future.
