Osimhen joins Galatasaray on loan

Turkish side Galatasaray have completed the signing of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli.

Galatasaray announced Osimhen’s signing on Wednesday.

Osimhen, who was subject of intense interest from Chelsea on transfer Deadline Day last Friday, arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, to undergo a medical at Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Speaking on the move via a statement shared on X, the 25-year-old striker wrote: “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!”

Chelsea and Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli had failed to complete the signing of Osimhen.

The striker has been frozen out of Napoli’s squad under new manager Antonio Conte after agitating for a move away from the club. Napoli have signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea as his replacement.

VIDEO: Osimhen in Turkey to join Galatasaray

The Star had reported that Ahli agreed a four-year contract worth around £33.6 million (€40 million) a season or £646,154 per-week with Osimhen.

Al Ahli also agreed fee for England striker Ivan Toney.

The club agreed a £67.3 million (€80 million) fee with Napoli for Osimhen and a £40 million fee with Brentford for Toney.

Chelsea were prepared to bring in Osimhen on loan with an obligation to buy on the transfer deadline day, but Al Ahli moved ahead of Chelsea as they agreed a four-year contract with the 25-year-old striker worth around £33.6 million a season – or £646,154 per-week – tax-free. The contract also includes a release clause.

However, the Nigeria international did not give the green light to the move and Al Ahli signed Toney.

Before agreeing to the Saudi move, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda insisted “he still has so much to do in Europe”.

The Star