Galatasaray, one of Turkey's most prestigious football clubs, is actively exploring the possibility of securing a loan move for Napoli's prolific striker Victor Osimhen. This potential acquisition could significantly bolster their attacking options as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance and make an impact in European competitions.
Galatasaray Officials in Italy for Talks
In a bid to finalize the deal, Galatasaray's vice president, Ibrahim Hatipoglu, and sporting director, Cenk Ergun, have flown to Italy to hold direct talks with Victor Osimhen and his representatives. The 25-year-old Nigerian international is reportedly not in Napoli's plans under Antonio Conte, making a move away from the club more likely. Despite being linked with several clubs throughout the summer, including Chelsea and Al Ahli, Osimhen's future remains uncertain.
Failed Moves and Missed Opportunities
Chelsea had shown interest in Osimhen but were unable to reach an agreement before the Premier League transfer window closed. Similarly, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli attempted to sign the striker but ultimately opted for Ivan Toney from Brentford instead. With these opportunities off the table, Galatasaray is now positioning itself to bring Osimhen to Istanbul on a temporary basis, with the Turkish transfer window remaining open until September 18.
Galatasaray's Summer Signings and Ambitions
Galatasaray has been active in the transfer market this summer, securing the signatures of midfielder Gabriel Sara, defender Elias Jelert, and attackers Hakim Ziyech and Michy Batshuayi. These additions reflect the club's ambition to strengthen their squad after winning their 24th Turkish Super Lig title last season. However, their failure to qualify for the Champions League after being eliminated in the playoffs by Young Boys has added urgency to their efforts to improve the squad.
Osimhen's Legacy at Napoli
Victor Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and quickly established himself as a key player for the Italian club. Over his tenure, he has scored an impressive 76 goals in 133 appearances. His standout season came in 2022-23 when he netted 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s first league title in 33 years. Despite a challenging 2023-24 campaign where Napoli finished 10th, Osimhen still managed to score 17 goals across all competitions, proving his consistent goal-scoring ability.