Victor Osimhen’s time in Türkiye could also be fleeting, however his influence will echo for years.
With 33 objectives and eight assists in 38 video games, the Nigerian ahead powered Galatasaray to a historic home double, sealing the Süper Lig crown with a 3-0 thumping of Kayserispor on May 18 and lifting the Turkish Cup days earlier.
But together with his mortgage spell from Napoli ending, a storm of hypothesis is brewing over the place the 26-year-old will land subsequent.
Will he keep in Istanbul as a legend reborn? Or will Europe’s giants snatch him away?
Galatasaray’s pursuit
The Lions usually are not giving up their shiny toy with out a combat.
Club officers have flown to Naples to barter immediately with Napoli, ready to activate his 75 million euro ($85 million) launch clause – an eye-watering determine that might obliterate Turkish switch information.
Their Champions League qualification provides gas to their bid, aligning with Osimhen’s said aim to compete on the highest stage. Turkish outlet Fanatik experiences the membership has secured financing and is contemplating a cash-plus-player deal to sweeten the package deal.
Yet the mathematics is daunting. Galatasaray’s report switch payment stands at 18 million euros for Gabriel Sara, whom they acquired from Norwich City.
Matching Napoli’s full asking value might require a miracle – or an enormous sacrifice.
From Napoli glory to pressured exit
Osimhen’s departure from Napoli was not on his phrases.
After firing the Serie A aspect to their first title in 33 years with 26 objectives in 2022-23 and successful African Footballer of the Year, a public breakdown with membership president Aurelio De Laurentiis and supervisor Antonio Conte noticed him marginalized, stripped of his No. 9 shirt and left off the squad record.
Transfer talks with Chelsea, PSG, and Al-Ahli collapsed in summer time 2024, and Galatasaray stepped in with a season-long mortgage deal.
Napoli quietly prolonged his contract to 2027 with a lowered launch clause of 75 million euros, positioning themselves for a serious payday this summer time.
Season of redemption
Osimhen responded with fury and finesse.
From his early brace in opposition to Kasımpaşa to his Europa League heroics versus Spurs and a hat trick demolition of Antalyaspor, Osimhen dazzled throughout all fronts.
He was named “Player of the Match” within the Turkish Cup ultimate in opposition to Trabzonspor, and his aim in opposition to Kayserispor sealed Galatasaray’s twenty fifth league title.
Across competitions, his 34 aim contributions in 32 begins drew comparisons to Didier Drogba – his idol – and cemented his standing as one of many world’s most full strikers. Fans at Rams Park don’t simply chant his identify; they revere it.
Fenerbahce’s gorgeous play
In a twist worthy of Turkish drama, Galatasaray’s fiercest rivals, Fenerbahce, have reportedly agreed to pay Napoli’s full asking value.
Turkish outlet Hurriyet broke the news, however pundit Ersin Düzen dismissed the transfer as unlikely: “If Osimhen leaves Galatasaray, it won’t be for money. It’ll be for Europe’s elite.”
Indeed, loyalty runs deep. “Gala will always be in my heart,” Osimhen stated after the ultimate whistle – a press release that will cool Fenerbahce’s ambitions earlier than they begin.
EPL temptation
If Istanbul doesn’t maintain him, England may.
Chelsea stay long-time admirers.
The Blues got here shut in 2024 however couldn’t meet his wage calls for, reportedly falling 100,000 euros brief per week.
Still, Osimhen’s camp – and Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong – trace a transfer to Stamford Bridge stays alive.
Arsenal and Manchester United have made “official offers,” per journalist Arda Ozkurt.
United view Osimhen as their major goal after underwhelming seasons from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Arsenal see him because the lacking piece in a title push.
Liverpool has additionally opened dialogue, with Troost-Ekong confirming talks. All indicators level to a Premier League scramble as soon as the window opens.
Outsiders within the chase
PSG, who as soon as supplied 220 million euros for Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia mixed, might return.
They had private phrases agreed final summer time however balked at Napoli’s valuation.
Barcelona have been supplied his providers however are unlikely to match the payment or wage calls for.
Al-Ahli, who bid 80 million euros final 12 months, might reignite talks, but Osimhen’s reluctance to depart Europe might shut that door once more.
Drive
Osimhen’s is likely to be cash, in fact, however for a younger participant like him, ambition is king.
His inventory, dented by harm and a Tenth-place end at Napoli final season, is hovering once more.
His market worth sits close to 70 million euros. He promised a choice in April, however as of late May, he’s nonetheless targeted on ending robust.
“95% chance he lands in the Premier League,” Troost-Ekong advised talkSPORT. Still, Galatasaray’s followers, Champions League spot, and Osimhen’s deep connection to the membership make a keep attainable, if inconceivable.
Source: www.dailysabah.com